Memphis Divided
Tennessee Republicans passed a new congressional map Thursday that divides Shelby County, home to majority-Black Memphis, into three districts. The move aims to eliminate the state's only remaining Democratic-held seat in the House. Currently, Tennessee is represented by eight Republicans and one Democrat.
Legislative Action
The Tennessee House and Senate approved the new map after first voting to repeal the state’s 56-year prohibition on mid-decade redistricting. Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law Thursday afternoon. Lee had called a special legislative session to take up a new map proposal ahead of Tennessee’s August 6 primaries.
Partisan Goals
Republican state Senator John Stevens said the maps were drawn to elect more Republicans using census data. Stevens stated that Tennessee is a conservative state and its congressional delegation should reflect that. The new maps mean that all nine of Tennessee’s congressional districts are Republican-leaning.
Democratic Response
Democratic Representative Steve Cohen, who currently represents Memphis and Shelby County, has said he will sue over the new map. State Representative Justin Pearson, a Memphis Democrat, called the new district maps "racist tools of white supremacy." Democratic state Senator London Lamar warned Republicans, "You have awakened a sleeping giant today."
Protests Erupt
Protests against the measure filled the State Capitol on Thursday. Ahead of the Senate vote, protesters yelled, "Don't do this!" The measure first passed the Tennessee House during a session in which the audience was ejected. Democratic lawmakers then walked out when the measure passed. State Representative Gloria Johnson said, "This is not a special session. This is a white-power rally and a white-power grab."
National Implications
Tennessee is the first state to pass a new congressional map after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act's protections against racial discrimination in redistricting. Republicans could pick up as many as 14 seats as a result of the campaign. The new map targets the 9th District in Memphis, raising legal challenges over voter rights.
