North Carolina Republicans plan to redraw congressional map to add a seat

"Phil Berger, the state Senate leader, and Destin Hall, the speaker of the state House of Representatives, said in a joint statement that they would hold votes next week on the rare mid-decade redistricting effort. Republicans control the Legislature, and Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, cannot veto redistricting plans, per the state constitution. Republicans already control 10 of the state's 14 congressional seats."

"Hall said in the statement that Republican lawmakers would seek to secure one more seat, though he did not specify where. The most likely target is the 1st Congressional District, the state's only competitive House seat, which is currently held by Rep. Don Davis, a Democrat."

"On Monday, Berger defended the new redistricting effort as a way to "protect President Trump's agenda, which means safeguarding Republican control of Congress." The timing of Berger's willingness to engage in redistricting has raised eyebrows in the state. He is in a contentious and possibly close primary race against a popular sheriff, Sam Page. Berger has denied"

Republican leaders in North Carolina announced a rare mid-decade plan to redraw congressional maps to further favor Republican candidates and strengthen GOP control of the U.S. House. The state legislature, controlled by Republicans, can pass redistricting plans without a gubernatorial veto under the state constitution. Republicans hold 10 of the state's 14 congressional seats and aim to secure at least one more, with the 1st Congressional District as the likeliest target. The effort aligns with pressure from the Trump administration for Republican-led states to reshape maps. The timing has drawn attention amid Phil Berger’s competitive primary contest.

Read at Boston.com