North Carolina Republican lawmakers finalized new U.S. House district maps on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, designed to bolster the party’s prospects in the 2026 elections. The plan, approved by the state legislature, seeks to create an additional Republican-held seat in the state’s congressional delegation.
The maps were adopted after a party-line vote in the Senate on Tuesday, with GOP leaders asserting they enhance political representation for conservative voters. State Representative Brenden Jones (R) defended the changes, stating, “The new congressional map improves Republican political strength in eastern North Carolina and will bring in an additional Republican seat to North Carolina’s congressional delegation.”
The redistricting could shift counties currently part of Congressman Don Davis’ (D-NC) 1st District—located in northeastern North Carolina—to a more Republican-friendly coastal district. Data suggests the GOP could secure 11 of 14 U.S. House seats under the new boundaries. However, Democrats and voting rights advocates have criticized the maps as a racial gerrymander, with state Rep. Gloristine Brown (D) accusing lawmakers of “silencing Black voices and going against the will of your constituents.”
Republican leaders emphasized that the redistricting was based on political considerations rather than race, citing North Carolina’s support for former President Donald J. Trump in recent elections as justification. Senate leader Phil Berger claimed the maps reflect “listening to the will of the people.”
The plan is set to take effect unless challenged in court. Candidate filings for the 2026 elections are scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025.
