Full Breakdown
Tennessee's New Congressional Map Dismantles the State's Only Majority-Black District
5/15/2026, 6:23:02 AM
Redrawing Tennessee's Congressional Districts
The Tennessee General Assembly, controlled by Republicans, approved a new congressional map that eliminates District 9, the state's only majority-Black district in Memphis. The plan splits Shelby County into three districts, adds a ninth Republican seat, and was enacted in a 48-hour special session. Plaintiffs include NAACP (national and Tennessee State Conference), ACLU, League of Women Voters of Tennessee, I AM Foundation, and Tennessee Democratic Party; defenders include Speaker Cameron Sexton and Governor Bill Lee.
Legal Context and Disputes
The map was drawn after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Callais decision weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Speaker Cameron Sexton said the redistricting reflects population and political considerations and is lawful. A federal judge denied a temporary restraining order, and a state court rejected an injunction request, leaving the map in effect. Plaintiffs argue the plan violates the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments; the state contends it is legal and necessary for representation.
Map Impact and Significance
District 9 previously covered Memphis, the state's largest Black-majority city, allowing Black voters to elect candidates of their choice. The new configuration divides Shelby County among three districts that extend into predominantly white rural areas, erasing the majority-Black district and shifting the congressional delegation from a 6-1 to a 7-0 Republican advantage. Civil-rights groups argue the change dilutes Black voting power, breaches the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, and could set a precedent for post-Callais redistricting nationwide.
Responses
Speaker Cameron Sexton said the map was drawn “based on population and politics” and is lawful, creating a ninth Republican district. Democratic Party chair Rachel Campbell called the plan “racist” and “reckless,” warning of voter chaos. The NAACP lawsuit alleges intentional racial discrimination; the ACLU says the map violates the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments; the League of Women Voters says it “fractures Black and brown communities” and weakens their voices. Plaintiffs seek an injunction to stop elections under the new map and restore the prior configuration.
What's Next
A hearing on the federal challenge is set for May 20, and plaintiffs have asked for a temporary restraining order by May 15 to prevent voter confusion before the 2026 elections. The outcome will decide if the new map stays in place.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is not a time to be comfortable. This is a time to to make others very uncomfortable and to let them know that we are here,” — Sean Nix, Executive Director, I AM Foundation
- “We drew a new congressional map based on population and politics to have a ninth district that is Republican. We did that within the realms of the law.” — Cameron Sexton, Speaker of the Tennessee House
- “This lawsuit goes to the heart of our democracy,” — Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP
- “We are at the dawn of a new Jim Crow era.” — Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP
