Republican-led Southern states are moving forward with redistricting efforts, targeting Democratic congressional seats in a bid to bolster House Speaker Mike Johnson's majority ahead of the November elections.
Tennessee Republicans are expected to vote as early as tomorrow on a new map that could eliminate Rep. Steve Cohen, the state's last House Democrat. Cohen criticized the move on social media, calling it 'insane.' Meanwhile, South Carolina legislators have initiated a redistricting debate that could imperil Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn's seat. Clyburn recently warned of escalating redistricting battles.
'The leadership in South Carolina, they saw the results in Indiana,' said David McIntosh, president of Club for Growth, referencing the group's $2 million campaign against Indiana Trump holdouts.
Mississippi Republicans are also pushing to redraw Rep. Bennie Thompson's district during a special session in two weeks. Despite Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's refusal to convene a special session, citing ongoing voting, Louisiana and Alabama are advancing their own redistricting plans. Louisiana has suspended its U.S. House primaries and is likely targeting one of its two Democratic seats, while Alabama awaits Supreme Court intervention to lift a redistricting ban.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remains confident Democrats can overcome Republican redistricting efforts by focusing on battleground districts. However, these moves could limit Jeffries' ability to secure a substantial majority, potentially mirroring the challenges Johnson has faced in recent years.
As Republican redistricting efforts gain momentum, Democrats are already planning countermeasures, eyeing blue and purple states for redistricting ahead of 2028 and advocating for nationwide redistricting reform.