Tennessee lawmakers approved a new congressional map on Thursday, a move that immediately drew protests inside the state Capitol and raised concerns over voter rights. The Republican-controlled legislature passed the map, which redraws the boundaries of the state’s 9th Congressional District in Memphis. According to Fox News, the new map is likely to flip the last Democratic-held seat in the state’s congressional delegation. PBS NewsHour reported that the map favors Republicans.
Demonstrators gathered at the Capitol to voice opposition as the vote took place. Democrats argued that the map targets the Memphis-area district, which has a significant African American population, and could dilute minority voting strength. Legal challenges over voter rights have been raised, with opponents contending that the redistricting plan violates protections against racial gerrymandering.
No direct quotes from lawmakers were included in the available reports. The map’s passage is part of the once-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 census, a period that has seen partisan clashes in multiple states. The legislation now moves to the governor for expected signature, and legal challenges are anticipated.
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