A new Tennessee congressional map that splits Memphis is making its debut in the state’s primary election. It will determine the nominees for a Republican attempt at a clean sweep of the state’s U.S. House districts in the midterms.
The primaries were upended just three months before the vote. The Republican-led Legislature redrew congressional districts following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protection for minorities.
Redistricting and Its Impact
President Donald Trump cheered the redistricting as part of a national plan. He aims to help Republicans hold on to their slim House majority.
The former president has endorsed state Sen. Brent Taylor in the four-person Republican primary. The significantly reshaped 9th Congressional District now stretches about 200 miles east from Memphis before reaching north toward the Nashville area.
The district previously favored Democrats. It now tilts toward Republicans, and some Memphis voters have raised concerns that their representation has been diminished.
Voter Concerns
Lonzo Taylor, a retired postal worker and military veteran, said Black voters like himself have had their voices diluted.
“We only had one district in the whole state of Tennessee, and refusing to make it fair is wrong. It’s just terrible,” said Taylor, 72.
Related: Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Kills 17 in Ukrainian Capital Region
Milla Meiman, 23, who voted early in the Democratic primary, said she did not realize the congressional map had changed until receiving a letter about it in the mail.
“It’s a drastic change to have your district sort of switched around like that,” said Meiman, who works part time at an ice cream shop and public library.
Meiman added: “I think it’s a voter suppression tactic.”
In practice, this redistricting means that Memphis voters will have to adapt to new representation. Such a shift could lead to a change in the issues that are prioritized and the voices that are heard.
Local concerns might be addressed differently. Some residents worry their needs will be overlooked in the new district configuration.
Other Congressional Districts
Congressman Ogles is facing a GOP challenger in the 5th District. It has also been significantly reshaped.
Previously centered on Nashville and central Tennessee, the district now extends to the northwest corner of the state. It snakes south along the Mississippi River to Memphis.
Along the way it touches the borders of Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Related: Senators Negotiate With SEC, Big Ten on College Sports Bill
Ogles has faced controversy. His cellphone was seized by the FBI in 2024 as part of an investigation into his campaign finance reporting.
However, the Justice Department recently agreed to return the device. That event signals that it was abandoning the probe, which began under the Biden administration.
Republican U.S. Rep. John Rose is forgoing reelection in the 6th District to run for governor instead. His decision creates a contentious primary for the Republican-leaning district.
The four Republican candidates include state Rep. Johnny Garrett and Rose’s recent chief of staff. Also running is former U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, who served eight years in Congress before losing a gubernatorial bid in 2002.
Gubernatorial and Senate Elections
Voters are also picking candidates for governor and Senate. Republicans have held the governor’s office since 2011 and won every U.S. Senate election since 1994.
Sen. Bill Hagerty is unopposed in this year’s Republican primary. However, numerous Democrats and independents are battling for the chance to challenge him.
The outcome of these elections will be closely watched, as they could influence state politics for years to come.