Georgia lawmakers not changing voting maps during special session

Georgia lawmakers have decided against redrawing the state's legislative maps during a special session, opting instead to focus on tax relief and suspending the state's gas tax. The decision was communicated in a letter from Republican House leaders to Gov. Brian Kemp.

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In regard to your request to redistrict for the 2028 election cycle, the House has always conducted redistricting with considerable time for public input and with careful attention to constitutional requirements and the interests of every Georgia community. Since this process has the potential to impact every voter, it deserves the same responsible, fact-driven approach that guides every policy we consider as lawmakers, especially as we seek to understand the full implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

The lawmakers stated that redistricting requires considerable time for public input and careful attention to constitutional requirements. They emphasized that the process deserves a responsible, fact-driven approach, especially as they continue to understand the full implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais. Several pending court cases across the country also involve Georgia's current and previous maps, adding to the complexity.

Governor Kemp had called the special session following the Supreme Court's ruling, believing there was no reason to delay the apportionment process. However, he acknowledged that legislative districting is the responsibility of the General Assembly and respected their decision to defer the issue.

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I do not believe there is reason to delay the apportionment process, especially with the legislature already convening. Legislative districting, however, is the responsibility of the General Assembly, and it is within their discretion to defer the issue until a later date.

The House leaders' letter stressed that changes to Georgia's maps should only occur after ample opportunity for lawmakers and citizens to gather facts, provide input, and engage in meaningful discussion. They will not be taking up congressional or legislative redistricting for the 2028 election cycle during this current special session.

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Changes to Georgia's maps should take place only when members of the General Assembly and citizens have been given ample opportunity to gather the facts, provide input, and engage in meaningful discussion. For this reason, we will not be taking up congressional or legislative redistricting for the 2028 election cycle during this special session.