Arrr, ye scurvy politicians be proposin' a treasure map with 2 Black-majority districts to fend off vote dilution concerns in Georgia!
2023-11-28
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs of the Georgia Senate Republicans be proposin' a redistrictin' plan to make two Black-majority districts. 'Tis a response to a court decree concernin' votin' rights violations. Sink me, but it be an interestin' turn of events on the political high seas!
Georgia Senate Republicans have proposed a new map that would create two Black-majority voting districts in an effort to address a judge's ruling that the current map dilutes Black votes. The proposed districts would increase the number of Black-majority districts by eliminating two white-majority districts currently represented by Democrats. State Senators Jason Esteves and Elena Parent would find themselves living in Black-majority districts if the redrawn map is approved.U.S. District Judge Steve Jones had ordered Georgia to draw additional Black majorities in one congressional district, two state Senate districts, and five state House districts. It remains uncertain whether Judge Jones would accept the proposed map if it passes. The Republican proposal left some districts untouched, while others saw minor changes.
One important consideration is that Georgia law requires state legislators to reside in their districts for at least one year before being elected. As the next election is less than a year away, nobody can move to another district to run. The proposed map could lead to Democratic primary challenges for Parent and Esteves.
Ken Lawler, chair of Fair Districts GA, believes that the proposed districts comply with Judge Jones' goal of creating additional Black-majority districts. However, Lawler argues that Republicans should not try to retain their current majority by changing other districts.
No House or congressional plans were released alongside the Senate proposal, but a hearing on a new House plan is scheduled. The creation of a new Black-majority congressional district, along with similar rulings in other Southern states, could help Democrats regain control of the U.S. House in 2024.
The state of Georgia has pledged to appeal Judge Jones' order. If successful, new districts could be implemented in 2024 and revert to the current lines in 2026. Currently, Republicans hold nine of Georgia's 14 congressional seats and 102 of the 180 state House seats.