North Carolina Republicans have passed new congressional maps that are expected to give the party an advantage in the upcoming elections. The new maps, which were drawn by the GOP majority in the state's legislature, divide the 14 congressional districts into 10 districts favoring Republicans, three favoring Democrats, and one considered competitive. Currently, the state's congressional delegation is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. However, the new maps could potentially flip three or four seats in favor of the GOP. This shift could be crucial for Republicans, who currently hold a slim majority in the U.S. House.

Critics argue that the new maps weaken democracy by limiting the influence of Black and Brown voters and creating Republican strongholds that diminish the impact of Democratic voters. However, proponents contend that drawing maps that favor political parties is legal, citing recent court precedents. They also argue that the GOP has the right to redraw maps because they won more seats in the previous elections.

The Republican redistricting in North Carolina is part of a broader effort by the party to redefine congressional voting districts across the country. The state's Supreme Court, which switched from Democratic to Republican control in the 2022 elections, ruled earlier this year that redistricting for partisan gain is constitutional under state law. The newly enacted maps could solidify Republican power in both Congress and the state legislature.