Republican lawmakers have announced plans to redraw North Carolina’s congressional map in order to secure an additional seat for their party in the 2026 midterms.
The North Carolina General Assembly will likely vote on a new map soon after the body reconvenes on October 20. Congressional maps are typically drawn once every ten years, but if lawmakers were to approve a new map during this legislative session, it would be North Carolina’s fifth in just six years.
The redistricting plan was announced in a joint statement by House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger, who said that they were fulfilling President Donald Trump’s request to redraw maps in Republicans’ favor.
“We are doing everything we can to protect President Trump’s agenda, which means safeguarding Republican control of Congress,” Berger said.
Last month, Berger denied allegations that he struck a deal to redraw North Carolina’s maps in exchange for President Trump’s political endorsement. However, Berger did confirm that redistricting was still on the table, saying, “If we have to draw one more map this year, we will.”
Democrats quickly criticized the redistricting plan, noting that Republicans have yet to pass a comprehensive state budget this session. On top of failing to pass a state budget, Senate Republicans have stalled millions in Hurricane Helene recovery aid and failed to protect North Carolina from the looming federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.
“NC Republicans are lining up to kiss Trump’s ass before they do anything to help North Carolinians afford healthcare, energy bills, or groceries,” the North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus wrote. “They’ll always side with Trump and billionaires before they do anything for YOU.”
The North Carolina Democratic Party began mobilizing against the redistricting plan soon after Hall and Berger released their statement, announcing that it would be holding a rally outside the General Assembly on October 21.
Alongside state Democrats, statewide groups like the North Carolina State AFL-CIO condemned Republicans’ plan to rig congressional maps ahead of next year’s election.
“We condemn the efforts of Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall to rig the outcome of congressional elections next year by changing district maps in response to the marching orders of Donald Trump,” North Carolina State AFL-CIO President Braxton Winston said in a statement.
“Instead of passing a state budget, paying workers who provide critical services to our families what they deserve, or protecting Medicaid and food assistance for seniors and kids, our General Assembly is playing political games to pay for presidential endorsements of its failed leadership,” Winston continued. “Their choices threaten to suppress the voices of voters in this state and the ability of workers to secure our freedom to thrive.”
North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering. Republicans currently hold 10 out of 14 congressional seats despite the state’s electorate being fairly balanced. A new map would likely increase the Republican advantage from 10-4 to 11-3.
North Carolina is just the latest state to dive into the national redistricting battle, which began after Texas redrew its congressional map to give Republicans an additional five seats. California retaliated by proposing a new map likely to pick up five seats for Democrats, although the plan has yet to be approved by voters. Several other states are considering redrawing their maps as well.
In North Carolina, new maps do not require approval from the governor and can be enacted with simple majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, which are controlled by Republicans.
In a statement, Democratic Governor Josh Stein condemned the redistricting plan.
“The General Assembly works for North Carolina, not Donald Trump,” Stein wrote.
“The Republican leadership in the General Assembly has failed to pass a budget, failed to pay our teachers and law enforcement what they deserve, and failed to fully fund Medicaid,” he continued.
“Now they are failing you, the voters. These shameless politicians are abusing their power to take away yours.”
A recent poll conducted by a Republican-leaning firm shows overwhelming opposition to partisan redistricting. 84% of North Carolina voters agree with the statement that “it’s never acceptable for politicians to draw districts to help their own party win more seats.” Nearly all voters – 94% – say they want districts that fairly represent all communities and political viewpoints.
As state Republicans quickly push their controversial maps forward, North Carolinians across the state can make their voices heard. Call your local representative today and tell them to vote against redistricting.
North Carolina General Assembly Switchboard: (919) 733-4111
For state House Members: Search Here
