Rules committee advances bill to realign North Carolina congressional districts amid objections

The North Carolina House Rules Committee voted 15-7 to give a favorable report to Senate Bill 249, a proposal to realign the state's congressional districts, after a brief but pointed debate.

Representative Dahl, speaking during committee debate, said her inbox had ‘‘blown up’’ with constituents across party lines who oppose the change and said the plan will eliminate an African American-held seat. "But we're also getting rid of an African American, and we only have 1 African American representing all of North Carolina, which I truly think is tasteless," she said. Dahl said she expects the map to face litigation.

The bill was presented for consideration by the committee chair and Representative Torbay (recognized by the chair to speak to the bill). Representative Jones moved for a favorable report and requested a roll-call vote, which the clerk conducted. The roll call produced a 15-7 vote in favor; the committee announced that SB 249 "has passed the committee and will move to the House floor." The committee record shows the motion carried with 15 yes votes and 7 no votes.

Proponents framed the bill as a regular redistricting adjustment; several members did not speak on the record during debate. Opponents raised concerns both about the loss of an African American-represented seat and about the timing and political effect of the change. One committee member described the previously enacted map as effectively a 10-3 map with one competitive district and urged caution about altering that balance now.

There was no recorded amendment to the measure during the committee meeting. The committee chair said the bill will proceed to the full House for consideration. Committee discussion included predictions that the map could be challenged in court, but no litigation details or specific legal citations were offered during the hearing.

With the committee's favorable report, SB 249 will be placed on the House calendar for floor consideration; any further changes, votes, or legal developments will be recorded in subsequent legislative actions.