The North Carolina Senate has enacted a controversial gerrymander proposal aimed at diminishing Black Democratic representation. In a narrow 26-20 vote, lawmakers passed the measure that aligns with former President Donald Trump’s request to alter congressional district boundaries. This decision comes as part of a broader trend among GOP-controlled states to manipulate electoral maps ahead of the 2026 elections.
Key Details of the Gerrymander Bill
- Date of Vote: October 20, 2025
- Voting Outcome: Passed 26-20
- District Impact: Affects District 1, historically represented by Black Democrats
- Projected Vote Shift: New map could lead to 11 Republican seats and 3 Democratic seats in Congress for 2026
- Public Reaction: Opposition protesters during the Senate committee meeting
Changes to Congressional Districts
The proposed map primarily leaves many districts unchanged while strategically relocating Black voters from District 1 to District 3. This adjustment aims to create a district that would have favored Trump, potentially allowing him to secure 55% of the vote in 2024.
Political Responses
Rep. Don Davis, the current representative for District 1, voiced strong opposition to the new map, emphasizing that none of his constituents requested such changes. He described the new congressional landscape as “beyond the pale.”
Former representatives Eva Clayton and G.K. Butterfield also expressed concerns over the implications of the gerrymander and will host a press conference to address its community impact.
Legislative Justifications
State Sen. Ralph Hise, a Republican, asserted that the proposal aimed to “rebalance” representation in Congress. He denied using racial data for the map’s creation and criticized Democratic states for their past gerrymandering practices.
In contrast, State Sen. Julie Mayfield challenged Hise’s claims, arguing that this strategy aligns specifically with Trump’s national agenda, which many see as an attempt to undermine fair representation.
Implications for the Future
The passage of this gerrymander bill marks a significant shift in North Carolina’s political landscape. If the map is enacted, it could solidify Republican control in the state’s congressional delegation leading into the next election cycle.
