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By Alia Shoaib
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North Carolina Republicans proposed a new congressional map Thursday, escalating the national battle over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The new map could flip the competitive 1st Congressional District in the Republicans' favor. Democrat Representative Don Davis won the swing district by less than two points in 2024.
Why It Matters
The proposal marks the latest effort in a broader GOP push, encouraged by President Donald Trump, to redraw congressional maps in Republican-controlled states ahead of the midterms.
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North Carolina has been at the center of redistricting battles for a number of years. The state's congressional maps have been redrawn repeatedly, and faced court rulings that found some to be unconstitutional.
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What To Know
Under the new proposed map, the 1st District would see a number of its counties traded with another district, making it lean more Republican.
Several Republican-leaning coastal counties would be added to the 1st district, while Democratic-leaning counties including Pitt, Wilson, Wayne and Greene — Davis’ home county — would become part of the 3rd District.
Davis said he is "considering every option" following the proposed introduction of the map.
North Carolina lawmakers are expected to vote on the new map next week. The proposal requires approval by a simple majority in both chambers, which are both Republican-led. Democratic Governor Josh Stein has no veto power over the measure.
North Carolina’s most recent redistricting, completed in 2023 under Republican control, resulted in the GOP holding 10 of the state’s 14 House seats in 2024, up from a 7-7 split under the previous map in the 2022 election.
What People Are Saying
Rep. Davis said about the proposed redistricting: "As we look at new congressional districts, I am considering every option, drawing on my local roots, experience in the military, and commitment to education."
North Carolina state Senate leader Phil Berger, a Republican, said in a statement last week: "President Trump delivered countless victories during his first term in office, and nine months into his second term, he continues to achieve unprecedented wins. We are doing everything we can to protect President Trump’s agenda, which means safeguarding Republican control of Congress."
North Carolina’s Democratic Governor Josh Stein said in a statement about the proposed congressional map: "The General Assembly works for North Carolina, not Donald Trump," adding: "These shameless politicians are abusing their power to take away yours. I will always fight for you because the voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around."
What Happens Next
The congressional map’s passage is highly likely given that the Republicans hold both chambers, but it could face legal challenges.
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