Red state governors move to redraw maps ahead of midterms after SCOTUS ruling

Alabama and Tennessee have moved to redistrict their states amid a growing battle between Democrats and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections to see which party can grab more seats in Congress. The move from the states comes after Virginia held a vote to redistrict the state under Democratic control, but that has been blocked by the courts.  

The Republican governors of Tennessee and Alabama called on state lawmakers to redistrict congressional maps after the Supreme Court ruled that race should not play a part in how congressional districts are drawn. Republican legislators may try to split up blue districts in both states.

“We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Friday in a statement. “After consultation with the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to review the map and ensure it remains fair, legal, and defensible.”

In a proclamation from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, he said, "The Legislature may consider legislation to provide for a special primary election for electing members of the United States House of Representatives and the Alabama State Senate in districts whose boundary lines are altered by a court issuing a judgment, vacating an injunction, or otherwise ordering or permitting an alteration in the boundaries of such districts.

All other legislation, beyond the legislation specifically described above, is expressly excluded from this proclamation and shall require a two-thirds vote for consideration and passage during this special session."

Tennessee has one Democratic seat in the state, and Alabama has two. If the redistricting efforts are successful, it may increase the number of GOP seats in Congress by three. Usually, in the midterms, the party in power is at a disadvantage at the ballot box. Since the GOP has been facing a slim majority in Congress, President Donald Trump, as well as other Republicans, have been pushing to redraw state lines in an effort to gain some seats in Congress. Democrats have been doing the same as the midterm elections draw nearer.