A new Georgia congressional map designed to preserve Republicans’ 9-5 advantage in the U.S. House are set for final approval Thursday.
The House Redistricting Committee voted along party lines Wednesday to pass redrawn political boundaries in response to a federal judge’s ruling that Georgia’s current districts illegally weaken the voting power of Blacks.
The Republican redistricting proposal adds majority-Black districts but eliminates multiracial districts where Democrats usually win, including the Atlanta-area district held by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath.
It’s unclear whether the redrawn map will hold up in court. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones scheduled a Dec. 20 hearing, with a ruling expected soon afterward. If Jones rejects the map, he could appoint a special master to create districts that comply with his ruling.
“I feel like the districts we’ve drawn are good for everybody. We’re complying with the judge’s order, we’re increasing the representation of the districts in which Black Georgians have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice,” said Redistricting Chairman Rob Leverett, a Republican from Elberton. “I’m hopeful we’ll be using these maps for the next round of elections.”
Credit: Special
Credit: Special
Democrats said the congressional map fails to provide greater representation for Black voters, who overwhelmingly support their party. White voters in Georgia generally back Republicans.
“We want to make sure that people have an opportunity to vote for their representation so they’re not disenfranchised,” said state Rep. Kimberly Alexander, a Democrat from Hiram.
After Jones rules on the new map, the case could be appealed to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and then the U.S. Supreme Court. Court decisions will ultimately determine districts and representation for Georgia in next year’s elections.
The Republican-controlled Georgia General Assembly already passed new maps this week for the state House and Senate, where Jones required seven new districts with Black majorities.
The Senate districts were shaped in a way to protect every incumbent, safeguarding Republicans’ 33-23 lead. Under the House map, where Republicans have a 102-78 advantage, Democrats could gain two seats.
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