Party-line vote sends congressional map dividing Nashville to governor’s desk

Tennessee Republican lawmakers pushed through sweeping changes to congressional and state senate maps Monday night in a party-line vote. The next stop is Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.  

 While the legislative maps have been hotly debated, it’s the congressional boundaries that have drawn the most attention. The maps will split Democratic leaning Davidson County three ways, separating downtown Nashville, east Nashville, and North Nashville — combining them with rural districts.   

Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, says it does a disservice to both urban and rural voters.  

“This isn’t necessarily just about Nashville,” said Clemmons. “This is about respecting Perry County, this is about respecting Hickman County, Congressional District 6, this is about respecting Dekalb, Fentrice, Jackson, Clay — you name it. That’s the concern.”

Clemmons joined his Democratic colleagues in opposing the maps, which they say racially gerrymanders Black and Brown voters. The maps passed by a vote of 70-26. Court challenges are expected.