NC Republicans unveil new congressional map that could pick up a seat for GOP

Kyle Ingram, The News & Observer on Oct 16, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Republicans unveiled a new congressional map Thursday, officially entering the national redistricting battle as President Donald Trump pushes GOP-controlled states to redraw their maps in his party’s favor ahead of the midterms.

If enacted, the map could flip the 1st Congressional District in Republicans’ favor, ousting U.S. Rep. Don Davis, a moderate Democrat.

North Carolina’s map, which was redrawn in 2023, already heavily favors the GOP, electing 10 Republicans and four Democrats last year.

The new map is an even more aggressive attempt to maneuver districts in Republicans’ favor and is likely to face legal challenges for racial gerrymandering, given that it affects the state’s historic “Black belt.”

At President Donald Trump’s request, North Carolina Republicans proposed a new congressional map likely to pick up another seat for the GOP.

The 1st district, which is currently located in northeastern North Carolina, would be redrawn to include several Republican-leaning counties along the coast, including Hyde, Dare and Pamlico.

Other counties like Pitt, Lenoir and Greene (where Davis lives) would be moved into the 3rd Congressional District, which is currently represented by Republican Rep. Greg Murphy.

According to data provided by the legislature, 55% of voters in the proposed 1st District voted for Trump in the 2024 election. The current 1st District is far more competitive, with Davis winning his seat by less than 2 points.

The legislature is accepting public comment on the new map online.

_____