Amid controversy, Georgia Republicans pass maps that secures their control of General Assembly

In a move laden with controversy, the Georgia General Assembly has granted final approval to newly redrawn district lines, following a federal judge’s order to create seven more majority-Black districts. The legislation is now on its way to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature.

The approved maps, designed to increase majority-Black districts while minimizing Democratic gains, faced opposition from Democrats who presented their own versions of redrawn maps.

Republicans, who hold the majority in the General Assembly, drew the new majority-Black districts in a way that safeguards incumbent positions in the Senate and concedes just two seats in the House.

Black voters in Georgia predominantly support Democrats, while white voters lean towards Republicans. The GOP’s approach to creating additional Black-majority districts has sparked a debate, with Democrats asserting that the new maps fail to comply with U.S. District Judge Steve Jones’ order.

Judge Jones had previously ruled that the General Assembly illegally weakened Black voting strength during redistricting two years ago.

Republicans argue that they followed Judge Jones’ order to create more majority-Black districts, despite Democratic claims that these districts won’t significantly increase Black representation in the upcoming elections. The disagreement centers on whether the GOP’s redrawn districts genuinely address the issues identified by the court.

State Rep. James Burchett, a Republican, defended the maps, questioning how they could be seen as weakening the Black vote when they were designed to establish majority-Black districts. Democrats countered, labeling the GOP’s maps as a “hoax,” “smoke and mirrors,” and a “shell game.”

State Senator Tonya Anderson, a Democrat, expressed concern that the maps weaken the power of Black voters, emphasizing that Georgia’s Black population has substantially increased since 2010 without adequate opportunities for additional representation.

The controversy extends to the revised congressional districts, with the state Senate approving maps that would maintain the Republicans’ majority in the state’s U.S. House delegation.

Democrats argue that the new maps, both legislative and congressional, perpetuate a system where elections are primarily decided during party primaries, raising concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process.