Special Session Set for Tuesday
Lee Says the Clock Is Ticking
Governor Bill Lee said Tennessee lawmakers will meet next week to review the state’s congressional map after the Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-driven mapmaking schemes. Lee said the goal is to make sure the districts reflect Tennessee voters and meet election deadlines. The special session is set to begin Tuesday, May 5. In government, nothing says urgent like discovering a deadline after the paperwork stack is already taller than the Capitol dome.
District 9 Is the Main Target
Memphis Seat Could Be Reworked
Tennessee has nine congressional districts, and Republicans hold eight of them. The seat drawing the most attention is District 9 in Memphis, currently held by Democrat Steve Cohen. GOP leaders have talked openly about reshaping that district to match the state’s broader voting patterns and maybe pick up another seat. Mapmaking is always presented as a solemn civic ritual, though it often looks like people with sharp pencils and strong opinions trying to outdo each other.
Legal Lines and Tight Deadlines
Officials Say the Map Must Hold Up
Lee said he consulted with the lieutenant governor, speaker of the house, attorney general, and secretary of state before calling the session. His office said any change must be passed soon so candidates can meet qualifying deadlines before the August 6 primary. Lee described the map as needing to be fair, legal, and defensible. That is government language for please do not make us explain this to a judge after lunch. The process now moves from court ruling to legislative debate, which means the usual mix of law, politics, and carefully worded statements.
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