Memphis draws headlines as voting maps redraws spark legal fights — a major Black-majority seat is being carved up again. City: 2nd biggest in TN, along the Mississippi.
The Supreme Court has kept the core protections of the Voting Rights Act intact while ruling that Louisiana’s map-drawing to favor a Black-majority district was unconstitutional, signaling a shift in how race can be used in redistricting and prompting immediate map reviews in several states.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Louisiana’s congressional map constitutes an illegal racial gerrymander, prompting state officials to suspend or delay House primaries. Early voting is starting as absentee ballots have already been mailed, with a path forward being developed with lawmakers and the Secretary of State.
Tennessee Republicans have unveiled a new congressional map that dismantles a majority-Black district and is poised to secure an all‑GOP federal delegation, following a Supreme Court ruling that loosened protections under the Voting Rights Act. The plan splits Memphis-Shelby County and reshapes districts around Nashville, potentially removing Rep. Steve Cohen and strengthening Rep. Andy Ogles.
The Guardian reports that South Carolina’s proposed map redraw would dismantle James Clyburn’s district, a long-standing symbol of Black political representation in the state. The move comes as Republicans respond to the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act ruling, raising fears of renewed racial gerrymandering and a shift in power.
The South Carolina governor has signaled a special session on redistricting as Republicans push to redraw maps. Key issues include potentially eliminating Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Democratic seat and concerns about a “dummymander” that could dilute Black representation. The move follows pressure from Trump allies and intra-party splits among Republicans.
Rep. Cohen has announced he is stepping back from Congress amid controversy over mid-decade redistricting that splits his majority-Black Memphis district into three Republican-leaning districts. He says the map was drawn to beat him, and he may return if court actions restore his old district. Primary elections are set for Aug. 6.
The South Carolina House is debating a redistricting plan urged by President Trump that would reshape the state’s only Democratic-held U.S. House district and could yield a Republican advantage in the midterms. A special August primary would select candidates as maps are updated, with some absentee votes already cast potentially being discarded.