Tennessee Legislature Passes GOP Redistricting Map, Splits Cohen’s District

TL;DR: Tennessee lawmakers approved a Republican‑drawn congressional map that shatters the state’s only majority‑Black district and now awaits Governor Bill Lee’s signature.

Context Mid‑decade redistricting—redrawing congressional lines between censuses—requires a state law change. Tennessee legislators first repealed a 56‑year ban on such redistricting, clearing the way for a new map favored by Republicans. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that forced Louisiana to redraw its districts, prompting President Trump to urge GOP‑run states to act before the 2024 midterms.

Key Facts - The House approved the map by a 64‑25 vote; three Republicans abstained. - The Senate followed with a 25‑5 vote, largely along party lines. - The plan splits Rep. Steve Cohen’s (D‑TN) Memphis‑based 9th District—Tennessee’s only majority‑Black district—into three separate districts and fragments Nashville into five. - Cohen testified that the redrawing sacrifices Tennessee’s values and power to benefit President Trump and Governor Lee temporarily. He cited federal funding secured for a Mississippi River bridge as evidence of his district’s benefit to the state. - Protesters flooded committee hearings and legislative chambers, chanting “Hands off Memphis!” and demanding the map be halted. Lawmakers cleared galleries several times due to disruptions. - The map now heads to Governor Bill Lee, who called the special session that enabled the vote.

What It Means By dividing Memphis, the map reduces the likelihood of a Democratic win in the 9th District, potentially leaving Tennessee’s nine‑member congressional delegation without a guaranteed Democratic seat. Republicans argue the design maximizes their chances in the 2024 elections without considering race, while Democrats contend the split dilutes Black voting power and violates the state’s commitment to fair representation. The governor’s upcoming decision will determine whether the map becomes law or faces further legal challenges, setting a precedent for other GOP‑controlled states considering mid‑term redistricting.

Watch for Governor Lee’s response and any ensuing court filings that could reshape Tennessee’s congressional map before the November elections.