Georgia lawmakers scrapped redrawing the state’s Congressional maps just hours before gaveling in for a special session called by Gov. Brian Kemp.
Democrats and voting rights groups said Republicans had not provided drafts of the proposed new boundaries, which were being created in response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision undoing a key part of the Voting Rights Act.
Some Republicans feared that the redistricting issue would energize Democratic candidates ahead of the crucial midterm elections, as voter concerns about the economy and the actions of the Trump administration dominate the run-up to November.
Speaker of the House Jon Burns sent a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp signed by the House Majority leadership.
“Changes to Georgia’s maps should take place only when members of the General Assembly and citizens have been given ample opportunity to gather the facts, provide input and engage in meaningful discussion,” Burns wrote.
Kemp’s office issued the following statement after receiving the letter this morning:
“The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais reaffirmed that racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional in all forms. Georgia’s legislative maps were drawn intentionally to create majority-minority districts, a practice which has now been deemed unconstitutional. At the same time, the General Assembly failed to pass legislation addressing a self-imposed deadline mandating changes to Georgia’s election system, requiring a special session before July 1, 2026.
I do not believe there is reason to delay the apportionment process, especially with the legislature already convening. Legislative districting, however, is the responsibility of the General Assembly, and it is within their discretion to defer the issue until a later date.”
Senate Minority Leader Jones II and House Minority Leader Hugley issued a joint statement following the Republicans’ decision.
“Republicans thought they could get away with drawing racist, rigged maps without a fight. Today, thanks to the people showing up and showing out, we won. Racist, rigged maps are dead for now. But we can’t quit fighting. They will keep trying to steal power from the people if we give them one single inch. Fight now, vote Republicans out in November, and stop these racist, rigged maps for good. But celebrate today — we won a monumental civil rights victory.”
On Wednesday morning, voting rights organizations, civil rights groups, organized labor groups, and faith leaders marched to the Georgia Capitol to protest the redistricting plan.
The Georgia General Assembly is still scheduled to look at changes to the state’s electoral and ballot process in response to a 2024 law regarding the use of paper ballots and QR codes.
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