Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Monday signed redistricting maps that will change the boundaries for the state’s House and Senate seats, in addition to the lines of the districts for the U.S. House of Representatives.
The congressional map, approved by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this month, will divide Davidson County into three separate districts, potentially allowing Republicans to flip the seat from Democratic control.
However, the maps will likely face a legal challenge, as the Tennessee Democratic Party has repeatedly threatened to file a lawsuit over the proposed changes.
“We have to wait until he signs them to sue, but after that — game on,” the group recently tweeted.
We have to wait until he signs them to sue, but after that — game on.
— Tennessee Democratic Party (@tndp) February 4, 2022
Furthermore, Democratic lawmakers previously sent Lee a letter, encouraging the Republican to reject the legislation.
“Governor, it gives us no pleasure to be writing you to request a veto on this legislation that will shape the legislature for the next decade, But, today, a veto of this unfair and unequal redistricting legislation is the best and most appropriate course of action to protect our democracy and do right by all our citizens,” they said.
If the maps survive the expected legal challenges, Republicans running for the new congressional district are expected to compete in a crowded, contested primary.
Multiple candidates have already announced their intentions to run: filmmaker Robby Starbuck, businessman Quincy McKnight, businessman Baxter Lee, and former Senate candidate Natisha Brooks.
Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus formally announced her candidacy Monday in a series of media appearances including Fox and Friends and Nashville’s Morning News with Dan Mandis.
Former President Trump weighed in on the race recently, endorsing Ortagus.
“Morgan was fantastic in her role working with Secretary Mike Pompeo at the U.S. State Department and understands the threats posed by China, Russia, Iran and others, and will be tough, not just roll over like the Democrats and RINOs. She serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves and will fight for our military. She won’t bow to the Woke Mob or the Leftist LameStream Media. Morgan Ortagus will have my complete and total endorsement if she decides to run!” he said before she declared her candidacy.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
