Press Release

May 8, 2026

Move eliminates last majority-minorty district in the state

LANSING, Mich., May 8, 2026 — Yesterday, the Republican-led Tennessee legislature passed a new U.S. Congressional map, splitting the last and only Black-majority district into three Republican-leaning districts. This follows a trend led by Republicans to disenfranchise voters, especially voters of color.  

“This new map is about a brazen power grab — it most certainly has absolutely nothing to do with fair representation. By breaking apart communities of color, Republicans are trying to rig the system before a single vote is cast. Every American deserves an equal voice and fair representation in Congress, regardless of their ZIP code or the color of their skin,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

This move follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais to dismantle staple provisions in the Voting Rights Act that ensured non-discriminatory voting and representation practices across the country. 

“The erosion of key protections in the Voting Rights Act opened the door for states to pursue maps like this with fewer safeguards against discrimination. That makes it even more important that we remain vigilant in defending fair representation and equal access to the ballot box here in Michigan,” said state Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), 1st vice chairperson of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus.

Under the previous map, about 60% of voters in the district, which included the whole city of Memphis, were Black. While Republicans claim the redraw was prompted by population and politics, Democrats have been adamant that the move deprives the region’s Black community of representation in Congress.

“When communities that have historically been able to elect representatives of their choice are carved apart and scattered across multiple districts, it raises serious concerns about whether voters are being denied meaningful representation. Representation should reflect communities rather than dilute their voices for political advantage,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the Detroit Caucus.

Nationally, the Trump Administration and Republican-led states have repeatedly taken steps toward redistricting. This new map could ensure Tennessee sends no Democrats to Congress next year.

“We are seeing a coordinated effort across the country to redraw districts in ways that entrench political power rather than strengthen democracy. Voters should be choosing their elected officials, not watching politicians manipulate district lines to silence opposition and guarantee outcomes before elections even begin,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), historian of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and vice chair of the Detroit Caucus.