North Carolina Republicans Poised to Redraw Congressional Map Ahead of 2026

Washington, D.C. — October 13, 2025 — North Carolina Republicans are gearing up to propose a new congressional map next week that could significantly reshape the state's political landscape and impact the balance of power in the U.S. House during the 2026 midterm elections. Under the current map, Republicans hold 10 of North Carolina's 14 congressional seats, while Democrats control four. Republican legislators will likely prioritize redrawing North Carolina's 1st Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Don Davis. The district in eastern North Carolina has long been the state's most competitive battleground. Republican strategists believe that even slight changes to its boundaries could shift the district in their favor.

If the new plan is approved, it would add another chapter to North Carolina's ongoing redistricting struggles, which have frequently led to legal battles over partisan and racial issues. The proposed map will likely bolster Republican positions in several districts, potentially leaving Democrats with just a few secure areas, primarily in urban hubs like Charlotte, Durham, and Raleigh.

Opponents argue that a revised map could weaken minority voting power and compromise equitable representation. Civil rights organizations are preparing to contest the plan, asserting it may violate the Voting Rights Act.

Republican leaders defend the redistricting initiative as a necessary update, citing population changes and previous court decisions as justification for the new configuration. They maintain that the process aligns with both federal and state legal requirements.

In a press release, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) said, "President Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country, and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican Congressional seat. Our state won't stand by while Democrats like Gavin Newsom redraw districts to aid in their effort to obtain a majority in the U.S. House. We will not allow them to undermine the will of the voters and President Trump's agenda."

North Carolina's redistricting effort mirrors a broader national trend. In states such as California, Missouri and Texas, lawmakers have already moved forward with mid-decade map revisions that could significantly influence congressional control heading into the 2026 midterms. Given the slim Republican majority in the U.S. House, gaining even a few additional seats could be crucial in determining control after the next election.