Georgia Republicans Begin Redistricting Session Without Proposed Maps
6 reported2 unconfirmed
Georgia’s General Assembly convenes Wednesday for a special redistricting session called by outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision that struck down Louisiana’s congressional map as an illegal racial gerrymander. Kemp, in the final months of his second term, wants lawmakers to draw districts for the 2028 elections, making Georgia the first state to apply the Callais ruling to its legislature. Neither Kemp nor Republican legislative leaders had unveiled proposed changes as of late Tuesday, frustrating Democrats and activists who plan daily demonstrations. The governor told the Associated Press he was not ready to discuss details, saying he would talk about redistricting on Wednesday. House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones said the outcome “will be a legislative prerogative” but added she has not “been in any room creating maps” and does not know who is drawing new districts. The article notes that before Callais, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act was understood to require maps giving historically marginalized minorities a reasonable chance to select candidates of their choice.
What’s reported
The General Assembly convenes Wednesday for a special session called by outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp.
The session responds to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision, which struck down Louisiana’s congressional map as an illegal racial gerrymander.
Kemp wants Georgia lawmakers to draw districts for the 2028 elections.
Neither Kemp nor Republican legislative leaders had unveiled proposed changes as of late Tuesday.
House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones said she does not know who is drawing new districts.
The article states that about a third of Georgia's 180 state representatives are Black, and Latino, Asian and other minorities bring the total nonwhite share to about 40%.
Open questions
Who is drawing the new district maps.
What specific map proposals will be introduced during the session.
Key figures
Gov. Brian Kemp (outgoing governor of Georgia)
state Rep. Tanya Miller (Black legislator from Atlanta, Democratic nominee for attorney general)
House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones (veteran of earlier redistricting efforts)
Carol Anderson (Emory University professor, board member of Fair Fight Action)
Sources: abcnews.com
