Proposed North Carolina congressional map could shift representation in Greene, Lenoir, and Jones counties
North Carolina Republican legislative leaders released a proposal for a new congressional map that aims to eliminate a Democratic seat represented by Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.) (Source: ncleg.gov)
A newly proposed congressional map from North Carolina’s Republican-led General Assembly could change how voters in Greene, Lenoir, and Jones counties are represented in Washington, D.C., as lawmakers prepare to consider the redistricting plan next week.
The proposal, released Thursday by the House and Senate redistricting committees, is now open for public comment through the General Assembly’s website. The map redraws district boundaries for all 14 of the state’s congressional seats and could alter the political makeup of the 1st Congressional District, which currently includes parts of all three counties.
Under the proposed map, the district—represented by U.S. Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.)—would shift from narrowly Democratic to solidly Republican territory. State data show that the new boundaries would create a district that voted about 55% Republican in the 2024 presidential election, compared with a slight Democratic edge under the current map.
Davis, a former state senator from Greene County, narrowly won reelection in 2024 despite a map drawn the previous year that already favored Republicans. The latest proposal would make his path to retaining the seat significantly more difficult.
Local residents in Greene, Lenoir, and Jones counties could see their congressional representation realigned under the plan, which would strengthen Republican influence in eastern North Carolina. The shift could impact rural infrastructure funding, agriculture policy, and disaster recovery programs—key issues for the region.
Gov. Josh Stein criticized the proposal, saying it strips voters of fair representation. “These shameless politicians are abusing their power to take away yours,” Stein said. “The voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around.”
House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) defended the redistricting effort, saying Republicans are following the will of voters who supported former President Donald Trump. “President Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country, and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican congressional seat,” Hall said in a statement.
Public feedback on the proposed map can be submitted through the General Assembly’s website at www.ncleg.gov. Both the House and Senate are expected to consider the plan next week. Because redistricting bills are not subject to a gubernatorial veto, the new map’s passage is widely expected.
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