The plan that would divide Memphis along new congressional lines was passed by Tennessee lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
The new plan, approved during the Tennessee General Assembly’s special session on redistricting on Thursday, May 7, will divide Memphis into three congressional districts.
The proposal to redraw congressional borders outside of the decennial census has drawn criticism from Democrats in the state house, who have described it as a “grave, grave rollback of rights” for Black Tennesseans, particularly Memphians.
It further divides Shelby County, with roughly 31% of Black voters concentrated in one of three districts rather than the current 9th Congressional District, which is represented by Congressman Steve Cohen.
Before becoming law, the bill must be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor.
