Council adopts resolution opposing state map that splits U.S. Congressional District 9

The Memphis City Council on May 12 adopted an add-on resolution opposing a state legislative congressional map that splits U.S. Congressional District 9.

Councilman Smiley moved the measure and read a prepared statement warning that the redrawing "fractured our community and diluted our collective voices for partisan gain." Councilman Dr. Warren said the changes recalled a history of voter suppression and urged the council to stand up for residents’ voting rights.

Multiple public commenters, including Glenda Hicks and Pamela Moses, urged the council to do more than pass a resolution. Pamela Moses, who identified herself during public comment as a congressional candidate, urged the city attorney to file suit on behalf of residents, saying the change threatened to disenfranchise voters. "You can't just pass a resolution," Moses said. "The city needs to file a lawsuit on behalf of the citizens."

Council members passed the resolution after public comment. Several speakers also called for proactive, not only symbolic, steps to protect the community’s representation; at least one commenter asked for concrete strategies to respond to the map change.

The council’s resolution registers its opposition and asks the relevant state and federal actors to consider the impact on Memphis residents; it does not itself change district lines or initiate litigation.