Full Breakdown
Tennessee GOP Unveils Congressional Map Splitting Memphis District
5/7/2026, 5:57:59 AM
New Map Proposal
On May 6, 2026, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson filed bills to redraw Tennessee’s nine congressional districts, dividing Shelby County, home to Memphis, into three districts and dismantling the majority-Black 9th District represented by Rep. Steve Cohen.
Legal Context
The proposal follows the Supreme Court’s decision in *Louisiana v. Callais*, which limited race-based redistricting and removed the requirement to preserve majority-minority districts under the Voting Rights Act. President Donald Trump urged Republican-led states to act quickly.
Key Actors
Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senate Leader Jack Johnson, Governor Bill Lee, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. Justin J. Pearson, Sen. Raumesh Akbari and NAACP chair Sekou Franklin are involved.
Timeline
May 1: Gov. Lee calls a special session. May 5: hearings begin. May 6: map released. May 7: committee approvals; floor vote Thursday. Aug 6: primary.
Map Details & Numbers
Tennessee’s current delegation is eight Republicans and one Democrat. The proposal splits Shelby County among three districts, linking parts of Memphis with rural communities and with Williamson County (Franklin, Brentwood). It also moves East-Tennessee counties—Morgan, Scott, Rhea, Meigs—into other districts.
Implications
If adopted, the 9th District would lose its majority-Black status, giving Republicans a chance to hold all nine seats. Critics warn the change dilutes Black voting power and may undermine the Voting Rights Act’s intent.
Official Statements
Republican leaders say the map follows the Supreme Court’s color-blind guidance, removes racial data, and reflects Tennessee’s conservative values. Democratic officials label it a power grab that threatens Black representation.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic lawmakers and civil-rights groups call the plan “Jim Crow-era” and “a blatant, corrupt power grab,” stressing the 9th District’s organic development and demanding protection of minority voting rights.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree Shelby County will be split, but differ on the district’s shape: some cite a western-border district reaching Williamson County, others a southern shift toward the Mississippi border. No court rulings reported.
Verbatim Quotes
“The Supreme Court has opined that redistricting, like the judicial system, should be color-blind. The decision indicated states like Tennessee can redistrict based on partisan politics,” — Cameron Sexton, Tennessee House Speaker
“It’s a blatant, corrupt power grab that would destroy the Black community’s and our entire city’s voice,” — Steve Cohen, U.S. Representative (D-TN)
“We have to defend our right to representation and our voices in Congress, in the state House and in elected office,” — Justin J. Pearson, State Representative (D-Memphis)
“If enacted, the proposed plan will be the most devastating attack on the Voting Rights Act, both the letter and the spirit of the law, in modern Tennessee history,” — Sekou Franklin, Tennessee State Conference NAACP political-action chair
Next Steps
The General Assembly will vote Thursday; if passed, Gov. Lee will sign the map. Legal challenges are expected, and the new districts will be used in the Aug 6 primary.
