Tennessee approves congressional map splitting Memphis

May 8, 2026

Summary

Tennessee approved a new congressional map that split Memphis and Shelby County, a move expected to favor Republicans ahead of November.

Why this matters

The vote could reshape Tennessee's representation in the U.S. House and is part of a broader national push by both parties to redraw maps before the November elections. It also reflects the Supreme Court's recent narrowing of federal voting protections in redistricting cases.

Tennessee lawmakers on Thursday approved a new congressional map that split Memphis and Shelby County into three districts, a change expected to benefit Republicans.

Gov. Bill Lee signed the bill later that day.

Memphis, a Black-majority city, and Shelby County are currently represented by Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, who has said he will sue over the new map.

Nashville, which was divided among three districts in the 2021 redistricting, remained split under the new plan, though the boundaries changed. Before this week’s redraw, Democrats had targeted District 5, represented by Republican Rep. Andy Ogles. The revised district now includes affluent Nashville suburbs and extends into downtown Memphis.

Lee called the special session last week after the Supreme Court threw out Louisiana’s congressional map. The ruling narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which considered race in drawing House district lines.

“These maps were drawn to maximize our partisan advantage,” Republican state Sen. John Stevens, who represents northwest Tennessee, said.

Democrats opposed the measure, and protesters filled the Capitol on Thursday. Ahead of the Senate vote, protesters shouted, “Don’t do this!” Democratic state Sen. London Lamar of Memphis told Republicans, “You have awakened a sleeping giant today.”

The measure first passed the Tennessee House during a session in which the audience was ejected. Democratic lawmakers then walked out after the vote.

The Congressional Black Caucus said in a statement that the new map would reduce political power in Black communities. Cohen also criticized the plan.

University of Tennessee political science professor Anthony Nownes said Tennessee is a “deep red state” and that Republicans had targeted the Memphis district for years. “I think it will have exactly the effect that they had planned,” he said.

The Tennessee vote came as both parties pursued redistricting changes ahead of the November House elections. The effort accelerated after the Supreme Court’s ruling last week. California and Virginia advanced Democratic-led ballot referendums aimed at gaining seats, while Missouri and North Carolina Republicans moved to redraw their maps. Louisiana delayed its House primaries to redraw its map, and Alabama and South Carolina also indicated they would pursue changes.

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