In a surprising turn of events, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives is shrinking following the announcement of a Democratic representative from a swing district who will not seek re-election in 2024. Rep. Kathy Manning, who represents North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District, claims that the race is “rigged” against her due to gerrymandered Congressional districts.
Manning accuses the Republican-led state legislature of passing “flagrantly gerrymandered Congressional districts” with the intention of reducing the number of Democrats representing those districts. She argues that these district boundaries are “shameful” and claims that Republicans knew they couldn’t win under fair districts. Specifically, she points out how the Democratic stronghold of Greensboro, North Carolina, was split between three different districts that include more rural areas in the new map.
Expressing her disappointment, Manning states, “Politicians should not choose their voters; voters should choose their representatives.” She adds that she would reconsider her decision not to run if pending lawsuits force the state legislature to redraw the districts.
A lawsuit has been filed in federal court challenging the new map, which was approved in October. The plaintiffs argue that the map weakens minority voting power and violates the U.S. Constitution. They specifically challenge four districts where they believe the state legislature minimized the voting strength of minorities, thereby strengthening “the state’s white majority.” The plaintiffs are requesting a new map to be drawn.
If the current map remains in place, Republicans will have a good chance of winning 10 out of the 14 congressional districts in North Carolina. Currently, the districts are evenly split between the two parties at seven apiece. This potential three-seat flip would further bolster the Republicans’ narrow majority in the House of Representatives, which currently stands at 221-213, with one vacancy following the recent expulsion of former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y.
The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House. As the 2024 campaign trail continues to unfold, it will be crucial to monitor the progress of the pending lawsuits and the potential impact on the redrawing of district boundaries.
