NewsPBS NewsHourMay 7, 2026United States
Tennessee Legislature Approves New Congressional District Map
Tennessee lawmakers have passed a new congressional redistricting map that divides a majority-Black district in Memphis. The move follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that reduced federal protections under the Voting Rights Act.
Read the full story at PBS NewsHourWhy It Matters
The new map changes the boundaries for all nine of Tennessee's congressional districts, potentially impacting which candidates residents can vote for in the November .
Key Facts
- The Tennessee legislature approved a new congressional district map on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
- The new map divides a majority-Black district located in Memphis.
- The redistricting could allow Republicans to win all nine of Tennessee's congressional seats in the November midterm elections.
- Tennessee is the first state to adopt new districts following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened the federal Voting Rights Act.
- President Donald Trump has publicly urged Republican-led states to redraw their districts following the Supreme Court ruling.
- Louisiana, Alabama, and South Carolina are also taking steps toward redistricting.
- Democratic representatives held a protest on the floor of the Tennessee House of Representatives regarding the map.
Who's Mentioned
locationMemphis“Location of the majority-Black district affected by the redistricting.”personDonald Trump“President who encouraged Republican-led states to redraw districts.”organizationTennessee Legislature“The body that approved the new congressional map.”organizationU.S. Supreme Court“Issued a ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections.”