MEMPHIS, Tenn — It’s difficult to imagine that new redistricting maps in Tennessee, particularly the one for congressional seats, won’t be challenged in court. After all, it’s clear that changes to congressional district lines in middle Tennessee totally dilute African American voting strength in Nashville – the city with the second largest Democratic voting base in the state. And that is the plan Republican legislators are using to increase their number of seats in Tennessee from 7 to 8 – and thereby help the GOP regain control of the U.S. House.
The state Senate on Thursday approved new district lines that divvy up Nashville into three Congressional Districts. In doing so, the city’s Black population is fractured to the point that they lose any sway in influencing election outcomes. And that gives Republicans a better than even chance of claiming all three middle Tennessee congressional seats.
Meanwhile in Shelby County, the new legislative map adds conservative leaning Collierville to the state senate district now represented by embattled Republican Brian Kelsey. And Tipton County will now be shared by both the 8th and 9th Congressional Districts – which likely helps 8th district Republican David Kustoff without hurting 9th district Democrat Steve Cohen.
Republican leaders can talk until they’re blue in the face about the congressional redistricting plan being fair. But it’s not. The legislature is thumbing its nose at Nashville’s Black population. And a court fight seems inevitable.