Republicans in Tennessee unveiled a sweeping new congressional map that could eliminate the state’s final Democrat-held U.S. House seat and further strengthen the GOP’s hold on the delegation ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The proposal, introduced by House and Senate Republicans during a special legislative session, would divide Memphis into three separate congressional districts while splitting the broader Nashville region into five districts.
At the center of the plan is the dismantling of Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, the state’s last remaining Democratic stronghold and its only majority-Black congressional seat. Under the new proposal, the district would be carved into three Republican-leaning seats.
“Tennessee is a conservative state, and our congressional delegation should reflect that,” said Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) who is sponsoring the Senate version of the bill. “This bill ensures it does.”
Republican lawmakers say the proposal follows the direction laid out by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which limited the role race can play in the redistricting process and opened the door for states to prioritize political considerations when drawing congressional maps.
In a joint news release, Tennessee Republicans said the plan “modernizes Tennessee’s redistricting process” by “removing racial data from the mapmaking process entirely.”
Citing the Supreme Court ruling, GOP lawmakers added that the decision confirmed states “can put its lawful conservative policy goals at the forefront.”
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) said the ruling made clear that “states can redistrict based off partisan politics.”
The proposal is moving quickly through the legislature. Six separate committees were scheduled to review the map Tuesday, with final floor votes in both chambers expected Wednesday morning.
The Tennessee effort comes as Republican-led states across the South are exploring new redistricting battles following the Supreme Court decision.
In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey recently called lawmakers into a special session to prepare for possible congressional map changes if courts allow the state to abandon a court-ordered map that created a second Democrat-opportunity district. Republicans there argue that a revised map could help the GOP secure all seven of the state’s congressional seats.
Georgia Republicans are also increasing pressure on Gov. Brian Kemp to revisit congressional maps before the next election cycle. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) publicly urged state leaders to “call a special session” and redraw district lines, arguing Republicans should act aggressively to protect their House majority.
Supporters of the Tennessee proposal say the state’s congressional delegation should more accurately reflect Tennessee’s Republican voting base, particularly after President Donald Trump carried the state comfortably in recent elections.
Critics, however, argue the plan weakens Black voter influence in Memphis and further politicizes the redistricting process.
The battle now unfolding in Tennessee is likely to become one of the highest-profile congressional redistricting fights in the country, with both parties viewing control of the House as critical heading into 2026.
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