Georgia Republicans Abandon Redistricting Push During Special Session
Georgia Republican lawmakers rejected Governor Brian Kemp’s call to redraw congressional maps during a special session starting June 17, 2026, citing ongoing litigation and the need for more public input. The decision defies pressure from former President Donald Trump and national GOP efforts to maximize House seats ahead of 2028. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling limiting racial gerrymandering. Competitive fall races include the open governor’s race and Senator Jon Ossoff’s reelection bid.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Georgia Republicans Block Kemp's Redistricting Push for 2028
Republican lawmakers in Georgia rejected Governor Brian Kemp's push to redraw the state's political maps during a special legislative session, dealing a major setback to Kemp and President Donald Trump. The redistricting effort aimed to eliminate one or two Democratic congressional districts, following the Supreme Court's weakening of the Voting Rights Act. GOP legislative leaders cited a desire for a more methodical process with greater voter input and a better understanding of legal challenges. The retreat came after weeks of pressure from Democrats, voting rights groups, and uneasy Republicans who warned the move could energize Democratic voters in the increasingly competitive state. Despite the setback, Kemp and other Georgia Republicans vowed to continue pursuing redistricting in the future, with Senate President Larry Walker III stating the question was 'when' rather than 'if' new maps would be drawn.
TheWeek feedGeorgia Republicans Reject 2028 Redistricting Push, Dealing Blow to Governor Kemp
Republican lawmakers in Georgia rejected Governor Brian Kemp's push to redraw the state's political maps during a special legislative session, aiming to eliminate one or two Democratic congressional districts before the 2028 elections. The decision marks a significant setback for both Kemp and President Donald Trump, who had initiated a national redistricting effort after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act. Georgia GOP leaders cited a desire for a more methodical process with greater voter input and legal clarity, while facing mounting pressure from Democrats, voting rights groups, and some uneasy Republicans warning that reopening redistricting could energize Democratic voters in the increasingly competitive state. Despite this rejection, Kemp and other Republican leaders vowed to continue pursuing redistricting, with Senate President Larry Walker III stating the question was when, not if, new maps would be drawn.
TheWeek feedGeorgia Republicans Reject Kemp's Push to Redraw Congressional Maps Before 2028
Republican lawmakers in Georgia rejected Governor Brian Kemp's call to redraw the state's political maps during a special legislative session, aiming to eliminate one or two Democratic congressional districts before the 2028 elections. The decision was a setback for both Kemp and President Donald Trump, who sought to improve GOP chances of retaining control of Congress following a Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act. Georgia GOP leaders cited a desire for a more methodical process with greater voter input and legal clarity. The retreat came amid mounting pressure from Democrats, voting rights groups, and some uneasy Republicans who warned that reopening redistricting could energize Democratic voters in the increasingly competitive state. Despite the rejection, Kemp and other Republicans vowed to continue pursuing redistricting, with Senate President Larry Walker III stating the question was not if but when new maps would be drawn.
TheWeek feedGeorgia Republicans Reject Trump-Backed Redistricting Push
Georgia Republican lawmakers have dealt a significant blow to former President Donald Trump's national redistricting effort by refusing to redraw the state's voting maps during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp. The legislature argued that Kemp did not provide enough time for proper public input and transparent debate. The decision is a rejection of a broader GOP movement, spearheaded by Trump, to gerrymander districts to maximize Republican House seats ahead of the 2028 election. While several red states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee have already redrawn their maps, Georgia joins South Carolina and Indiana in resisting the pressure. The move comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, which struck down Louisiana's maps as racially gerrymandered. Georgia lawmakers indicated they may revisit redistricting later, but not in time to affect the 2026 midterms.
The New RepublicGeorgia Republicans Reject Redistricting, Delivering Setback to Trump's House Seat Strategy
Georgia Republican lawmakers have declined to redraw the state's voting maps during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp, dealing a major setback to a national GOP effort championed by Donald Trump to maximize Republican House seats. The legislature argued that Kemp did not provide enough time for proper public input and transparent deliberation, with changes not needed until the 2028 election cycle. The decision follows the Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais on racial gerrymandering. While several other red states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee have already redrawn their maps for the 2026 midterms, Georgia joins South Carolina and Indiana in resisting the push. State leaders indicated they may revisit redistricting later with more preparation.
The New RepublicGeorgia Republicans Abruptly Reverse Redistricting Plans, Defying Trump and Kemp
Georgia Republicans have abruptly reversed their decision to redistrict the state, rejecting a push from Governor Brian Kemp and a national GOP movement led by Donald Trump. The decision came after Kemp called a special legislative session to redraw voting maps ahead of the 2028 election. State lawmakers, including House Speaker Jon Burns, argued that the timeline was too rushed and that proper public input was needed. The move is seen as a blow to Trump's efforts to maximize Republican House seats through redistricting. While several red states like Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee have already redrawn maps, Georgia joins South Carolina and Indiana in resisting the pressure. The Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, which struck down racially gerrymandered maps, had prompted Kemp's push. Lawmakers indicated they may revisit redistricting later, noting any changes would not take effect until 2028.
The New RepublicGeorgia Republican Leaders Abandon Redistricting Plans During Special Session
Georgia Republican leaders have decided not to pursue redistricting during the special legislative session that began on June 17, 2026, despite Governor Brian Kemp having called the session specifically to redraw the state's congressional boundaries. The decision comes after primary runoffs set up competitive fall races for governor and Senate. Republican state House leaders cited ongoing litigation over prior and current maps as the reason for not taking up redistricting, arguing that changes should only occur after proper public input and discussion. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling limiting the use of race in drawing districts, which prompted several states to reconsider their maps. Key Georgia races this fall include the governor's race between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, and the Senate race between incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican Representative Mike Collins. The article also notes that other states like Texas, North Carolina, and Florida have already redrawn their maps this cycle.
Roll CallGeorgia Republican Leaders Abandon Redistricting Plans During Special Session
Georgia Republican leaders have decided not to pursue redrawing the state's congressional and legislative maps during a special legislative session that began on June 17, 2026. Governor Brian Kemp had called the session to address congressional boundaries ahead of the 2028 elections, following a Supreme Court ruling limiting the use of race in redistricting. However, state House Republicans cited ongoing litigation over previous and current maps as the reason for not taking up the issue, emphasizing the need for more public input and deliberation. The decision comes after primary runoffs set the stage for competitive fall races, including the open governor's race between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, and the Senate race between Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff and Republican Representative Mike Collins. The article also notes that several other states have already redrawn or are reconsidering their maps amid legal challenges and the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling.
Roll CallGeorgia Republican leaders won't pursue redistricting during special session
Georgia Republican leaders have decided not to redraw the state's congressional map during a special legislative session that began on June 17, 2026, despite Governor Brian Kemp calling the session for that purpose. The decision comes after primary runoffs set up competitive fall races for Senate, governor, and other offices. Republican state House leaders cited ongoing litigation over prior and current maps as the reason for not proceeding, stating that changes should only occur after ample opportunity for fact-gathering and public input. The fall elections will feature a race to replace term-limited Governor Kemp between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, while Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff faces Republican Representative Mike Collins. The article also notes that mid-decade redistricting is occurring in several other states following a Supreme Court ruling limiting the use of race in drawing congressional districts.
Roll Call