Tennessee lawmakers to vote on new US House map sought by Trump

Key Points:

• Tennessee Republican lawmakers are advancing a redistricting plan that would dismantle the state's majority-Black congressional district centered in Memphis, aiming to benefit the GOP ahead of the November midterms despite protests accusing the plan of racial gerrymandering.
• The effort follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened protections under the Voting Rights Act, allowing states like Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina to pursue redistricting that could reduce the number of majority-Black districts traditionally electing Democrats.
• In Alabama, Republicans passed legislation to potentially override the May 19 primary results and hold new congressional primaries if courts approve a GOP-favored map, aiming to reclaim a district currently held by a Black Democrat.
• South Carolina Republicans are also preparing to redraw congressional districts, potentially eliminating the state's only Democratic-held seat, with plans to introduce new maps and hold committee meetings despite Democratic opposition and concerns over election disruptions.
• These redistricting moves are part of a broader national battle, with Republicans seeking to gain up to 13 House seats through new maps in multiple states, while Democrats hope to gain up to 10, making the 2024 midterms highly competitive.