North Carolina GOP moves to redraw House map, targeting Democratic seat
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Republicans are hoping to give their party an edge by redrawing NC-01, currently occupied by Democrat Don Davis. (Maps: NC Legislature)
North Carolina Republicans seeking to give themselves another safe seat in Congress will begin voting on redistricting on Monday.
- A newly redrawn map swaps a handful of eastern counties between the 1st and 3rd congressional districts, shaking up both races ahead of 2026.
Why it matters: The aim is to oust Democratic Rep. Don Davis (NC-01) without endangering Republican Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03).
- Combined with other states' redistricting efforts, the shift could help Republicans maintain control over the U.S. House of Representatives, even if a midterm slump hits the president's party, as it often does.
The intrigue: Neither Davis nor Murphy has said where they'll run. Congressional representatives aren't required to live in the same district they represent.
- Murphy's statement says he will definitely run in 2026, but notes "the proposed map splits the counties I now represent down the middle."
- Davis — one of the few Democrats to win in a district that also elected President Donald Trump in 2024 — was less committal. His home in Greene County will flip to the 3rd district.
What they're saying: Davis released a statement saying he is "considering every option." His chief of staff didn't elaborate.
- And Murphy says he's reviewing the new lines, hinting that the 1st might be a good fit because he's "had a home at the coast for decades and always represented coastal concerns."
Catch up quick: Texas was first to strike when Trump began encouraging states to redistrict, prompting California to plan redistricting that benefits Democrats. More states have since jumped into the fray.
- North Carolina's legislative leaders' joint statement characterizes it as heeding "President Trump's call to thwart blue state attempts to take Congress."
Between the lines: Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper notes that's a shift in tone from previous redistricting cycles.
- "What that says to me is they have zero fear of a partisan gerrymandering claim being successful in litigation, because they're saying it out loud," Cooper tells Axios.
- They'll likely avoid conversations about whether the maps dilute the Black vote, Cooper says, "because that is the only small opening for litigation."
The big picture: The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering a case that would gut the Voting Rights Act, which could reshape how race is considered in redistricting.
- The section of the law in question is intended to protect Black voters from disenfranchisement by preventing race-based voting discrimination.
State of play: North Carolina's congressional map is already weighted heavily in Republicans' favor. The party holds 10 of 14 seats, despite statewide races being competitive.
- Princeton's Gerrymandering Project gives it an "F" grade for fairness.
By the numbers: If the new congressional map passes, it would be the state's fifth since the 2020 census.
Yes, but: Surveys show voters don't like that — 84% of recently surveyed North Carolinians say redrawing voting maps for partisan advantage is "never acceptable," and that districts should be drawn neutrally, NC Newsline reports.
What we're watching: Some Republicans have already launched primary campaigns.
- Two candidates are in NC-01 either way — Currituck County's state senator, Bobby Hanig, and Rocky Mount's mayor, Sandy Roberson.
- But Eric Rouse, a Lenoir County commissioner and the most recent to announce, would see his home shifted from NC-01 to NC-03. Rouse's advisor says, "heck yeah" he'll run, regardless of how the lines shake out.
How it works: Republicans have a majority in the state legislature, and they need to pass a new map.
- Democratic Gov. Josh Stein has no authority to veto electoral maps.
What's next: A Senate hearing on the map is scheduled for 10am Monday, Oct. 20.
- Both chambers are expected to vote next week.
- Democrats are rallying in opposition Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the State Capitol.