The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 24, 2025
The North Carolina legislature passed a new gerrymandered congressional map October 22nd, likely adding a GOP congressional seat to offset expected 2026 midterm losses in the U.S. House. Legislators diluted Black voting power to do it, but say it was for partisan reasons.
The map likely gives Republicans an 11-3 advantage in a purple state where President Trump won by only 3.3% in 2024. State leaders went out of their way to say it was manipulated to help maintain GOP control of the U.S. House. State Senator Ralph Hise said, “The motivation behind this redraw is simple and singular: draw a new map that will bring an additional Republican seat to the congressional delegation.”
Why admit the cheating? The U.S. Supreme Court’s Rucho decision said gerrymandering for partisan reasons was a state political matter, not a matter for the federal courts. For the moment, racial gerrymandering is still illegal under the Voting Rights Act, so the deliberate admission of partisan gerrymandering helps to create an alibi when the case reaches federal court.
The new map changed only Congressional District 1, a currently competitive northeast district which Black Congressman Rep. Don Davis won by 2%. A North Carolina Black Alliance analysis shows it shifted 8% of Black voters into adjoining redder districts, diluting Black voting power and tilting District 1 Republican.
We’ve linked to more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – North Carolina Plans to Gerrymander a GOP Seat to Help Retain Control of the U.S. House in 2026
WUNC – NC Senate advances new Congressional map intended to pick up an additional GOP seat
North Carolina Black Alliance – North Carolina’s historic Black Belt district under attack by new gerrymandered map
WRAL – Protesters march on NC legislature as House lawmakers advance new congressional districts
WRAL – NC Republicans pass new congressional districts into law to boost GOP edge in U.S. House races
The Center for Politics – Rating the New North Carolina Republican Gerrymander
Groups Taking Action:
North Carolina Black Alliance, Common Cause North Carolina, North Carolina For the People, Democracy North Carolina
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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