Tennessee Republicans Pass New Congressional Map

Tennessee Republicans have approved a new map for the state's nine congressional districts. The map was passed following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court. It is designed to favor the Republican party.

The new district lines aim to ensure Republicans win all nine congressional seats in Tennessee. A key part of this strategy involves dividing the city of Memphis. Memphis currently has a Black majority population.

Under the new map, Memphis will be split across three different congressional districts. This division is expected to dilute the voting power of Black residents in the area. The goal is to make it harder for Democrats to win these seats.

This redistricting effort comes after the Supreme Court allowed a lower court's decision to stand. That decision had previously struck down a map drawn by Tennessee Republicans. The court's ruling did not require the state to create a new majority-Black district.

The Republican-controlled legislature quickly moved to redraw the map after the Supreme Court's decision. Critics argue that the new map is a form of gerrymandering. They say it unfairly targets minority voters to secure Republican victories.