Georgia lawmakers will not proceed with redrawing the state’s political maps this month, following a call from GOP Governor Brian Kemp for a special session to consider new congressional and state legislative lines. This decision comes after a significant Supreme Court ruling on redistricting earlier this spring. Governor Kemp had requested the Republican-led Legislature to address the maps ahead of the 2028 election, as the 2026 election is already in progress.
On Wednesday, Republican legislative leaders announced that they lacked sufficient time to address redistricting during the current special session. House Speaker Jon Burns stated, 'We believe that it is important to do things the Georgia way — responsibly, transparently, and with ample opportunity for public input.'
Republican leaders indicated that they might revisit the redistricting issue before the 2028 election cycle, emphasizing the need to approach the task carefully. Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III noted that any changes to the congressional or legislative districts would not take effect until 2028, suggesting that it is prudent to take the necessary time for this process.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that some Republicans expressed concerns that pushing for redistricting close to competitive Senate and gubernatorial races could mobilize Democratic voters in the state.
Democrats responded positively to the decision, with Georgia House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley and Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II stating, 'Republicans thought they could get away with drawing racist, rigged maps without a fight. Today, thanks to the people showing up and showing out, we won.'
To enact new maps in the future, Republicans will need to maintain control of state government after the upcoming midterms. In the governor’s race, billionaire businessman Rick Jackson won the GOP primary runoff against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who had the backing of former President Donald Trump. Jackson will compete against former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November election.
Former President Trump has encouraged GOP-led southern states to implement congressional maps following a Supreme Court decision that could lead to the dismantling of majority-Black seats previously protected by federal law. States such as Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Tennessee have already redrawn their maps for the current elections, while others, including Mississippi, are planning for the next election cycle. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in South Carolina and Indiana have also hesitated on redistricting, facing criticism from Trump and his supporters.