Interactive: See the Republican-proposed congressional map that splices Nashville into three districts

Republican lawmakers released their proposal for congressional district maps Wednesday. The biggest change splits Nashville up three ways. U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper says it disenfranchises Democrats in Davidson.

Democrats have had a stronghold on Tennessee’s 5th congressional district since 1875. It contains heavily democratic Nashville. But if the new maps are approved, Davidson would be shared by the 5th, 6th and 7th Congressional Districts.

Find the changes between the current and proposed congressional district maps in the interactive visualization below.

Davidson County’s Black voters have been split up into three districts. Most of them have been placed into District 7, which appears to include West Nashville, North Nashville and Germantown.

The map would also divide up Williamson and Wilson Counties, pair Memphis in Shelby County with rural Tipton County, and geographically stretches the 3rd District, which includes Chattanooga.

Congressman Cooper says the move is designed to get rid of a historically Democratic seat.

“I don’t think Nashville’s ever been split in our 240-year history, so why start now?” asks Cooper. “We are one of the most successful cities in the country. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. So, I think it would be a real tragedy for the political life of Nashville if they cut us up.”

While not final yet, the move could have national implications if Republicans are able to take Cooper’s seat. Currently, Democrats control the U.S. House. With redistricting and gerrymandering taking place across the country, it could lead to a Republican-led chamber.

Rachel Iacovone and Emily Siner contributed to this reporting.