Georgia’s upcoming Senate district alterations promise substantial shifts in the state’s political terrain. Unveiled on November 27, 2023, the proposed redistricting plan for the state Senate strives to establish two additional districts with a Black majority in the upper chamber, adhering to a federal court directive.
The New Districts
As per the proposed map, Senate District 17, encompassing Henry and Newton counties, and Senate District 28, spanning Douglas and Fulton counties, are slated to attain a Black majority. This adjustment follows U.S. District Judge Steve Jones‘ ruling, which deemed the redistricting maps crafted by the Republican-controlled General Assembly two years ago for the congressional, state House, and state Senate to be in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act.
Impact on Current Districts
Presently overseen by Republican Brian Strickland from McDonough, chair of the Judiciary Committee, the 17th Senate District is anticipated to shift from a 59.4% white majority to a 61.8% Black majority. Similarly, the 28th Senate District, currently represented by GOP’s Matt Brass of Newnan, chair of the Rules Committee, is poised to transition from a 69.4% white majority to a 54.1% Black majority.
Future Implications
Beyond these changes, the proposed map adjusts boundaries for 13 other Senate districts. Eight of them would maintain a Black majority, while five would retain a white majority. The legal proceedings leading to Judge Jones’ ruling highlighted the 2020 Census, revealing that Georgia’s population growth during the 2010s occurred predominantly among people of color, while the white population declined. However, this demographic shift was not adequately reflected in the 2021 redistricting maps.
The upcoming draft maps for Georgia’s state House and congressional districts are expected later this week, with lawmakers required to approve new district lines by the deadline set by Judge Jones, just a week from Friday. This redistricting proposal marks a crucial stride in ensuring equitable representation in Georgia’s political landscape, with the potential to influence future elections and the balance of power within the state.
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