Tennessee Republicans pass a map to break up the state's lone Democratic House seat

Tennessee Republicans have passed a new congressional map designed to eliminate the state's sole Democratic-held House seat. This map will divide Shelby County, which is home to majority-Black Memphis, into three separate districts. The state's Republican governor called a special legislative session to address redistricting after the Supreme Court weakened protections against racial discrimination in redistricting under the Voting Rights Act. The legislative votes occurred amidst protests and a walkout by Democrats, with one Democratic representative labeling the new maps as "racist tools of white supremacy." Republican lawmakers stated their objective is partisan, aiming for an all-Republican congressional delegation from Tennessee. This move follows President Trump's encouragement for GOP-led states to redraw maps before the upcoming midterm elections. Similar efforts to eliminate majority-Black, Democratic-held districts are underway in other Southern states like Louisiana and Alabama, following the Supreme Court's decision. The weakening of the Voting Rights Act could significantly reduce Black representation in Congress, potentially doubling the number of seats Republicans can more easily flip.