Republicans say North Carolina redistricting is partisan, but not racist
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
As a redistricting measure rapidly advances in North Carolina, Republicans are denying accusations that they're diluting the Black vote by saying their motivations are purely political.
- Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) claimed credit for drawing the new map in hearings Monday, saying the purpose was "simple and singular — draw a new map that will bring an additional Republican seat."
Why it matters: The 1st congressional district is in northeastern North Carolina, a historically Black area that has elected Black representatives since 1992, and Democratic ones for a century before that.
- It's currently the only remaining swing district, now represented by Democrat Don Davis.
Catch up quick: President Donald Trump has encouraged states to redistrict so Republicans can maintain control of Congress after the 2026 midterm elections.
State of play: To make NC-01 winnable for Republicans, the new map swaps a handful of counties with NC-03, a heavily conservative district held by Republican Greg Murphy.
- NC-01 becomes more of a coastal district, while NC-03 picks up some agricultural and manufacturing communities.
What they're saying: Democrats say the new map dilutes the Black vote, making it unlikely another Black representative can win NC-01.
- Sen. Kandie Smith (D-Pitt) said "this is an attack on Black voters, and it's one that goes back decades."
Yes, but: Hise repeated several times under questioning that "absolutely no racial data was used."
Flashback: Partisan gerrymandering was once controversial in court, notes Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper.
- "The legal landscape has changed considerably" since then, Cooper told Axios ahead of Monday's hearings. "That's interesting."
The intrigue: If the districts are redrawn, candidates will have hard decisions to make about where they'll run.
- Both incumbents have, so far, remained cryptic. Davis' home county is being moved to NC-03, while NC-01 is taking several coastal counties to which Murphy feels connected.
- Congressional representatives don't have to live in the district they represent.
The latest: The Senate passed the new map Monday along party lines, and after a procedural vote Tuesday, it moves to the House, where Republicans also have a majority.
- North Carolina's governor can't veto electoral maps.
What's next: The House will take up votes at 2pm Tuesday, Oct. 21.
- Meanwhile, the North Carolina Democratic Party is organizing protest at 11:30am Tuesday in downtown Raleigh.