Republican legislators’ proposed changes to North Carolina’s congressional boundaries dramatically reshape two districts a panel of federal judges found unconstitutional. But the proposed map also changes each of the state’s 13 congressional districts, some of them strikingly. Two House members would no longer live in the districts they represent, although by law that isn’t necessary. The 13th District, now anchored in the Triangle, would move across the state. And the serpentine 12th District would become the most compact. But one thing would not change. According to voting statistics released for the proposed districts, three would strongly favor a Democrat, while the other 10 lean Republican. GOP lawmakers say they want to keep the existing 10-3 partisan split.
The legislative committee charged with drawing new maps voted 24-11 along party lines Wednesday afternoon in favor of the proposal. Democrats were opposed but did not submit an alternative map, saying they had wanted to see the Republicans’ version first.
The proposal will go before the full House and Senate on Thursday morning in a rare special session called Wednesday by Gov. Pat McCrory. The legislature also will review a bill that would delay the date of the congressional primary, said House Rules Chairman David Lewis.
A three-judge federal panel ruled Feb. 5 that the 1st and 12th districts were racial gerrymanders. Redistricting leaders said the new map was redrawn without consideration to race.
Full Article: Republicans propose major changes to NC congressional districts | News & Observer.