RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Republican leadership of North Carolina's legislature announced plans on Monday to vote next week on redrawing the state’s U.S. House district map, reflecting a broader national trend as GOP leaders respond to President Donald Trump's call for strategic gains in congressional representation. This comes as an emerging mid-decade battle unfolds across the nation, with both parties seeking advantageous district configurations ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In 2023, North Carolina Republicans implemented a congressional map that enabled GOP candidates to secure 10 of the state's 14 House seats during the 2024 elections, marking a significant shift from the 7-7 split observed in the prior electoral round. The only identified swing district is currently the 1st District held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, whose narrow victory last year by less than 2% has made the GOP consider potential district adjustments to facilitate a Republican win.
In a recent statement, the state’s top Republican legislators indicated this planned action aligns with Trump’s push for states to counter Democrat-led redistricting efforts — notably, Davis was not specifically named.
House Speaker Destin Hal emphasized the GOP’s intent to bolster Republican representation, stating, 'Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country, and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican Congressional seat.' With Trump having received North Carolina’s electoral votes in his three presidential runs, the stakes are high for Republicans.
Contrastingly, House Democratic leader Robert Reives accused the GOP of 'stealing a congressional district in order to shield themselves from accountability at the ballot box.'
Trump sparked the national redistricting discourse in the summer, urging Republican-led states like Texas to modify their congressional maps for increased Republican advantages. In response, Texas successfully restructured their congressional districts, potentially allowing Republicans to capture additional seats, while Democrats in California proceeded with their own redistricting plan to create opportunities for their party.
The situation escalates with pending litigation posed by various civil rights groups in North Carolina, including the NAACP, charging that current congressional boundaries discriminate against Black voters. As North Carolina's legislators reconvene on October 20 for a session expected to last four days, Republicans, who dominate both legislative chambers, aim to finalize a new map by the December candidate filing deadline for the 2026 elections.
In 2023, North Carolina Republicans implemented a congressional map that enabled GOP candidates to secure 10 of the state's 14 House seats during the 2024 elections, marking a significant shift from the 7-7 split observed in the prior electoral round. The only identified swing district is currently the 1st District held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, whose narrow victory last year by less than 2% has made the GOP consider potential district adjustments to facilitate a Republican win.
In a recent statement, the state’s top Republican legislators indicated this planned action aligns with Trump’s push for states to counter Democrat-led redistricting efforts — notably, Davis was not specifically named.
House Speaker Destin Hal emphasized the GOP’s intent to bolster Republican representation, stating, 'Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country, and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican Congressional seat.' With Trump having received North Carolina’s electoral votes in his three presidential runs, the stakes are high for Republicans.
Contrastingly, House Democratic leader Robert Reives accused the GOP of 'stealing a congressional district in order to shield themselves from accountability at the ballot box.'
Trump sparked the national redistricting discourse in the summer, urging Republican-led states like Texas to modify their congressional maps for increased Republican advantages. In response, Texas successfully restructured their congressional districts, potentially allowing Republicans to capture additional seats, while Democrats in California proceeded with their own redistricting plan to create opportunities for their party.
The situation escalates with pending litigation posed by various civil rights groups in North Carolina, including the NAACP, charging that current congressional boundaries discriminate against Black voters. As North Carolina's legislators reconvene on October 20 for a session expected to last four days, Republicans, who dominate both legislative chambers, aim to finalize a new map by the December candidate filing deadline for the 2026 elections.
