The Republican leaders in the Georgia House of Representatives told Gov. Brian Kemp they would not consider any calls to redistrict the state during the upcoming special session.
The leaders wrote:
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.There are a number of cases pending where judges are currently analyzing the impact of the decision in Callais on redistricting. Several of those cases involve Georgia’s prior and current maps. We are confident that Georgia will prevail in the pending appeals and look forward to receiving additional judicial opinions to assist us in our future map-drawing efforts.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.
“I do not believe there is reason to delay the apportionment process, especially with the legislature already convening,” Kemp shot back. “Legislative districting, however, is the responsibility of the General Assembly, and it is within their discretion to defer the issue until a later date.”
Senate President Pro Tem Larry Walker III and Senate Republicans agree with their House counterparts, too.
“Because any changes to our current congressional or legislative districts would not go into effect until 2028, we believe it is prudent to take the appropriate and necessary time to do this important duty the right way and not to rush through it,” said Walker.
Sheesh.
The GOP loves to shoot itself in the foot. The Democrats play dirty, and the Supreme Court handed them a victory in Callais.
I have no idea what implications the leaders are referring to regarding Callais. It’s not hard to understand the impact of Callais since SCOTUS didn’t beat around the bush. It’s simple: You cannot use race or any other minority to draw your Congressional map.
It’s ridiculous that judges have been analyzing Callais.
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