North Carolina Republicans Move to Redraw Congressional Districts Amid National Redistricting Controversy

Thu Nov 13 2025 13:32:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

North Carolina's GOP is set to vote next week on new U.S. House district maps, aiming to gain more seats in a national effort sparked by Trump. The decision faces criticism as it raises concerns over gerrymandering and voter representation.

Republican leaders in North Carolina have announced plans to redraw the state’s U.S. House district map, aligning with a national Republican strategy influenced by former President Trump to secure more seats for the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, accuse the GOP of attempting to manipulate district lines to shield themselves from electoral accountability while legal challenges over existing district boundaries persist.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican legislative leaders in North Carolina have announced a scheduled vote next week for redrawing the state’s congressional district map, positioning themselves in alignment with both President Donald Trump's strategies to bolster GOP representation and a broader national redistricting struggle between the two major parties. This effort comes as several states make significant changes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

In 2023, North Carolina Republicans implemented a district map that allowed GOP candidates to capture 10 of the state's 14 U.S. House seats in 2024, compared to a balanced 7-7 split following the map used in 2022. The current political landscape indicates that the only competitive seat remaining is the 1st District, held by Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who narrowly won his last election. Adjustments to this district could pave the way for a Republican gain in a favorable election cycle.

The announcement for redrawing the districts comes directly after Trump urged state legislatures nationwide to counter Democratic redistricting efforts, emphasizing their need to ensure the GOP maintains its electoral advantage.

“Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country, and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican congressional seat,” declared House Speaker Destin Hal, further asserting Trump’s success in securing North Carolina's electoral votes throughout his presidential runs.

In contrast, state House Democratic leader Robert Reives condemned the GOP’s intentions as a blatant effort to manipulate districting in their favor, misleadingly facilitating the party's electoral prospects while undermining voter accountability. The tension intensifies as North Carolina prepares to join other states embroiled in a redistricting battle — Texas, California, Missouri, Indiana, and Kansas are also considering or have already made significant changes.

The unfolding situation in North Carolina highlights a trend of partisan redistricting, where lawmakers draw district lines favorably for their party. Ongoing litigation over existing district maps — with accusations of racial discrimination against Black voters brought forth by groups including the state NAACP — adds another layer of complexity. Should the courts rule in favor of these challenges, it could alter the upcoming district changes.

In the context of upcoming midterm elections, where Democrats require only three additional seats to gain control of the House, the outcomes of these initiatives are seen as critical. Historical voting trends suggest the president's party often loses seats during midterms, a scenario Trump and Republican leaders are aiming to circumvent; a Democratic majority could threaten Trump's legislative agenda and lead to intense scrutiny and investigations.