President Donald Trump Publicly Endorsed North Carolina's Newly Proposed Congressional Maps

President Donald Trump publicly endorsed North Carolina's newly proposed congressional maps, calling them "new, fair and improved" and urging Republican lawmakers in the state to pass them quickly. The Republican-led redistricting plan, unveiled recently, is designed to significantly impact the state's political landscape, specifically targeting the First Congressional District, currently held by Democrat U.S. Rep. Don Davis. This district, often considered the only competitive one in the state, would likely shift to favor a Republican candidate under the new proposal.

Image via WRAL

Image via WRAL

This move is intended to help the GOP maintain or increase its control in the U.S. House, with state Senate Leader Phil Berger affirming that the North Carolina General Assembly is "ready to help Republicans secure Congress and move [Trump's] agenda forward."

Democrats, including Congressman Don Davis and former U.S. Rep. Wiley Nickel, are fiercely criticizing the maps, labeling them as a clear act of gerrymandering intended to guarantee a Republican outcome and "take the choice away from voters."

The current 10-4 split in North Carolina's U.S. House delegation in favor of Republicans could become an 11-3 majority under the new plan. Democratic Gov. Josh Stein condemned the proposal, arguing that the legislature is abusing its power and prioritizing partisan gain over focusing on essential state issues like passing a budget or funding education and Medicaid. Democrats are planning a protest rally at the State Capitol, and some legislators, like State Rep. Rodney Pierce, anticipate that the controversial maps will inevitably lead to litigation.

The debate highlights a deep partisan rift over the control of congressional seats and the redistricting process itself. While Republicans like U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy intend to run in 2026 despite significant changes to their own districts, the overall goal for the state GOP is to solidify its power in Congress.

Democrats argue that the focus on redrawing maps to serve national party priorities, particularly those of the former president, is distracting from the state's pressing needs and subverting the democratic process. The state lawmakers are expected to vote on the maps in the coming week, setting the stage for a likely legal challenge.