(The Center Square) – Democrats in the Georgia Senate want to limit state lawmakers’ redrawing of congressional district lines to the first odd numbered year after a U.S. census.
Seventeen members of the party are backing the resolution needing two-thirds support in the chamber to pass. Republicans have a majority in the Senate as well as the House of Representatives.
If it were to succeed, it would go before voters in November for a final decision. While the resolution would block redistricting outside of the first odd-number year following a census, it would allow for changes outside of that period for specific reasons like complying with a court order.
There are no restrictions on when district lines can be redrawn in Georgia. It’s typical for redistricting to take place after the federal census once a decade.
However, other states have recently been taking a look at their congressional lines.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has already called for a special legislative session in April to address redistricting. He said at the time on social media that it was in the interest of ensuring Florida residents are represented “fairly and constitutionally.”
Texas redrew its congressional district lines last year. It was met with legal challenges but ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the new congressional maps, keeping them in effect for the midterm elections later this year.
The Supreme Court is considering whether Louisiana’s new congressional map complies with the 14th or 15th amendments. The map created a second majority-Black district.
A representative for House Speaker Jon Burns’ office told TCS they are waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision before commenting on the issue as it relates to Georgia but added the speaker has not considered any legislative action.
That hasn’t stopped Democrats from taking measures to block any potential mid-decade redistricting in the Peach State.
“Republicans are using off-cycle redistricting around the country to rig the game after massive Democratic wins throughout 2025,” said Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Elena Parent, who introduced the legislation. “SR558 lets the people decide whether Georgia should stop this ridiculous practice that could destroy responsive government. Look at the record of our gerrymander-powered Republican majorities. A housing crisis, astronomical health insurance premiums, skyrocketing utility costs, and budget busting grocery bills. Republicans know voters are fed up with their unpopular agenda and are turning to winning elections through gerrymandering.”
