North Carolina Republicans Push Controversial Redistricting Amid Protests

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:25:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Republicans in North Carolina push through a contentious redistricting plan aimed at increasing their congressional seats, Democrats vow to resist and advocate for fair representation.

North Carolina's Republican leaders are advancing a redistricting plan designed to increase GOP congressional representation, despite protests from Democrats who argue the map targets specific representatives. With recent support from former President Trump, the legislation faces criticism for potential racial gerrymandering and could lead to legal challenges.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — In a move reflecting deeper partisan divides, North Carolina Republicans are pushing a new U.S. House map designed to secure an additional GOP seat, although this attempt has sparked backlash from Democrats and uncertainty in the coming elections.

The proposed map seeks to weaken the electoral prospects of Democratic Rep. Don Davis, one of the state’s three Black representatives by redrawing crucial congressional districts. Analysts suggest that if implemented, this redistricting could allow Republicans to capture 11 out of 14 congressional seats, up from the current 10.

This strategy aligns with former President Trump’s call for mid-decade redistricting across Republican-led states to bolster GOP strength ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats are keenly aware that they only need to gain three more seats to take control of the House, which is a concern for the GOP as historically, the president's party loses seats in midterms.

The redistricting plan appears poised for passage as Republican majorities dominate the state legislature, and Democratic Gov. Josh Stein lacks the authority to veto it. After securing Senate approval, the plan was set for further debate before the House.

Approximately 300 protesters gathered at the state Capitol to voice their dissent, pledging to mobilize against what they see as an undemocratic redistricting effort aimed at disenfranchising voters. We may not have the ability to stop the Republicans in Raleigh right now, asserts North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton. But we are here to show that people across this state and across this nation are watching them.

Republican leaders counter that Trump’s popularity in North Carolina justifies their actions and that adjustments are necessary to reflect current electoral dynamics.

The redistricting debate arises alongside a broader national struggle where other states, including Texas and California, are also contemplating redrawn congressional maps. Concerns over potential unlawful racial gerrymandering have led to suggestions of litigation to challenge the new map upon its enactment.