The Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) on Wednesday threatened a lawsuit against proposed congressional maps, if they are fully enacted.
The maps, unveiled by the House Redistricting Committee, would split Davidson County into three different districts.
Portions of Davidson County would reside in the new fifth, sixth, and seventh congressional districts. The current map encompasses the population center in a single district. The move could leave only one region represented by a Democrat, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09).
The political party argued the new maps were impacted by race and could be discriminatory against certain voters in the state.
“Tennessee Republicans have split up Nashville’s Congressional district, denying an entire community of shared interests a voice at the national level. They are rigging the system for their own power and gain — we’ll see you in court, @TNGOP.”
“It’s obvious that Tennessee Republicans have racially gerrymandered our state. With their proposed maps, 1 in 4 Tennessee voters will be discriminated against,” the TNDP said in a tweet. “This is unconstitutional. We’re preparing to sue.”
Furthermore, the group attached a pitch for fundraising and new volunteers to their lawsuit threat.
“If you are able, help us build a legal fund to mount a case against @TNGOP in defense of Tennessee communities. Or you can help out by getting involved — it’s going to take all of us to fight back,” the group continued.
If you are able, help us build a legal fund to mount a case against @TNGOP in defense of Tennessee communities. Or you can help out by getting involved — it's going to take all of us to fight back.
Donate 👉 https://t.co/a5hyWAjxaU
Volunteer 👉 https://t.co/UXezQaZ6Bb— Tennessee Democratic Party (@tndp) January 12, 2022
However, the maps still have to pass through the legislative process. While the committee advanced the maps, the measure must be approved by the full House of Representative and the Senate.
The Senate is undergoing a similar process, drafting separate maps in their Redistricting Committee. However, as noted by Politico‘s Natalie Allison, the Senate’s version will look “substantially similar.”
This will effectively be the congressional map adopted by the Tennessee legislature, eliminating Nashville’s Dem seat by dividing the city into 3 separate districts to create a new GOP one. Lt. Gov’s office says the Senate’s proposal will be “substantially similar.” pic.twitter.com/sKrSNDoHb3
— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) January 12, 2022
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tennessee State Capitol” by Reading Tom. CC BY 2.0.
