North Carolina Republicans announce plan to redraw congressional map to pick up GOP seat

Kyle Ingram, The News & Observer on Oct 13, 2025

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RALEIGH, N.C. — 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 the Legislature would 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.”

Last month, Berger denied rumors that he would redraw the state’s map in exchange for an endorsement from Trump in his primary election.

Monday’s news comes in the midst of a national battle over redistricting as President Donald Trump urges red states to redraw their maps to favor the GOP.

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.

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 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.

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