Republicans redrew NC-01, hoping to give their party an edge in 2026 over Democratic incumbent Don Davis. Maps: North Carolina legislature
The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision yesterday limiting the Voting Rights Act could reshape voting across the South and bolster Republicans' House majority, Axios' Josephine Walker reports.
Why it matters: That change turned N.C.-1 from a district that leaned Democratic to one that leans Republican — making Rep. Don Davis the most vulnerable Democrat in the U.S. House, according to the Cook Political Report.
What they're saying: Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper says Republicans have already succeeded in making Davis' district more favorable to them and have limited room to gain more seats.
"I think for the most part, [Republicans have] squeezed as much as they can," Cooper tells Axios. "They can't spread too much thinner, or else they'll be at risk of what folks call a dummymander, where you where you end up hurting yourself."
Between the lines: The ruling, however, could affect maps drawn in 2031 after the next Census, Cooper says. And it could also influence how states draw elections for their state legislatures, Axios reported.
House Speaker Destin Hall told reporters yesterday he doesn't "anticipate us drawing any more maps this session."
