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The red-state counteroffensive is underway.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Friday that he is calling a special legislative session next week to review and redraw Tennessee’s congressional districts after the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major ruling that struck down race-driven mapmaking schemes and weakened one of the Left’s favorite redistricting weapons.
Lee said the move is necessary to ensure Tennessee’s congressional districts “accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters” and to comply with election qualifying deadlines. The special session is expected to begin Tuesday, May 5.
Tennessee currently has nine congressional districts, with Republicans holding eight of the nine seats. But conservatives have long argued that the current map still leaves opportunities for Democrats to cling to power in areas where the broader state electorate has overwhelmingly rejected their agenda.
The likely focal point of the redraw is Memphis-based District 9, represented by Democrat Steve Cohen. Republicans have openly discussed restructuring that district to better align with statewide voting trends and potentially deliver another GOP pickup.
We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters. pic.twitter.com/oYccVnpQue
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) May 1, 2026
The Tennessee Star reported:
Following Wednesday’s ruling, President Donald Trump said he spoke with Lee, confirming at the time that the governor would “work hard” to redraw the state’s 9th Congressional District, which is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09).
Lee announced his decision to call a special session on Friday, releasing a statement, “We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters.”
“After consultation with the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, and Secretary of State, I believe the General Assembly has a responsibility to review the map and ensure it remains fair, legal, and defensible,” the governor added.
Lee said lawmakers will convene on Tuesday, May 5.
Noting how this year’s primary election date for congressional candidates is August 6, Lee’s office said, “In order to comply with mandatory election qualifying timelines and ensure Tennesseans have reflective representation, any change to Tennessee’s congressional map must be enacted as soon as possible.”
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