At Trump’s request, NC Republicans announce plan to redraw congressional map
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- NC GOP lawmakers plan to redraw congressional map to gain a seat in 2026
- Legislative leaders cite Trump agenda and national redistricting pressure
- New map would target Rep. Don Davis’ district amid ongoing court challenges
North Carolina lawmakers on Monday announced plans to redraw the state’s congressional map to secure an additional seat for Republicans in the 2026 midterms.
In a joint statement, House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger announced they would heed President Donald Trump’s national push to redraw maps in Republicans’ favor and vote on a new map next 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,” Berger said. “We are doing everything we can to protect President Trump’s agenda, which means safeguarding Republican control of Congress.”
Democrats quickly lambasted the plan, noting that Republicans in the state legislature have yet to pass a comprehensive budget this session.
“NC Republicans are lining up to kiss Trump’s ass before they do anything to help North Carolinians afford healthcare, energy bills, or groceries,” staff for the Senate Democratic caucus wrote in a statement on social media. “They’ll always side with Trump and billionaires before they do anything for YOU.”
Last month, Berger denied rumors that he would redraw the state’s map in exchange for an endorsement from Trump in his primary election, though he left open the possibility of another round of redistricting.
North Carolina’s current congressional map already heavily favors Republicans and is being challenged in court for alleged racial gerrymandering.
Ten Republicans and four Democrats represent the state in Congress. A new map would likely target Democratic Rep. Don Davis’ district in Northeastern North Carolina.
North Carolina is the latest state to dive into the national redistricting battle, which began after Texas redrew its congressional map to give Republicans an additional five seats. California retaliated by proposing a new map likely to pick up five seats for Democrats.
“Our state won’t stand by while Democrats like Gavin Newsom redraw districts to aid in their effort to obtain a majority in the U.S. House,” Hall said in a statement, referring to the governor of California.
North Carolina has a chaotic history when it comes to redistricting, with courts frequently striking down legislative and congressional maps as illegal gerrymanders. If lawmakers were to approve a new congressional map this year, it would be the fifth map in just six years.
New maps do not require approval from the governor and can be enacted with simple majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, which are controlled by Republicans.
In a statement, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein denounced the news, writing “The General Assembly works for North Carolina, not Donald Trump.”
“... These shameless politicians are abusing their power to take away yours,” he continued. “I will always fight for you because the voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.”
This story was originally published October 13, 2025 at 3:26 PM.
