NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Republicans have approved a new congressional map designed to better reflect the state’s increasingly conservative electorate. The move, which divides Shelby County (Memphis) into three districts, aims to create a more unified Republican congressional delegation. The Tennessee House approved the redistricting plan during a special legislative session called by Republican Governor Bill Lee. The session followed a recent Supreme Court decision that clarified the scope of the Voting Rights Act regarding redistricting.

Tennessee currently sends eight Republicans and one Democrat to the U.S. House. Republicans in the state legislature have defended the new map as a legitimate effort to ensure that Tennessee's representation in Congress accurately reflects the will of its voters.

Gov. Lee convened the special session after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling provided further guidance on redistricting practices. The ruling offered states more latitude in drawing congressional districts, prompting Tennessee Republicans to re-evaluate the existing map.

State Representative Justin Pearson, a Democrat from Memphis, criticized the redistricting plan. However, Republican lawmakers maintain that their objective is to create districts that are more politically cohesive and that better represent the conservative principles of the majority of Tennessee voters.

Former President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican-led states to review their congressional maps, arguing that redistricting is a legitimate tool for ensuring fair representation. The Tennessee GOP’s actions align with this broader effort to re-evaluate congressional districts across the country.

Earlier Thursday, Gov. Lee signed a bill that repealed a state law that had restricted mid-decade redistricting. This change allows the state to adapt its congressional map to reflect evolving demographic and political trends.

Other Republican-controlled states in the South are also considering adjustments to their congressional maps in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling. These efforts reflect a nationwide trend of states seeking to optimize their representation in Congress.

While Democrats have criticized the redistricting plan, Republicans argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that Tennessee’s congressional delegation accurately reflects the values and priorities of its citizens. The new map now heads to the governor for final approval.