Georgia lawmakers react to special session on redistricting

Some lawmakers support keeping current district maps, while others say redistricting clarity is important for voters in Middle Georgia

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has called a special session of the Georgia General Assembly, putting redistricting back on the table.

Lawmakers are expected to consider new district maps for Congress and the state legislature. However, any changes would not take effect until 2028.

State Representative Dale Washburn, who represents District 144, says he is satisfied with the current district lines and hopes they remain unchanged.

“As far as I’m personally concerned, I like my district as it is, and so I hope that my district lines don’t change,” Washburn said.

For now, Washburn says lawmakers are waiting to see what comes out of the special session.

“You know, it’s just a wait and see. We just have to wait to see what comes out. Hopefully they will be fair and good for our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, State Representative Patty Stinson of District 150 says she does not believe new maps are necessary.

“I don’t believe we need new maps,” Stinson said. “We just went through this redistricting process not very long ago. I’m fine with the maps that we have.”

Stinson said any changes could impact congressional, state and local districts, affecting voters across Middle Georgia including where they cast their ballots.

She also raised concerns about the timing of the special session, pointing to financial challenges many families are currently facing.

“We’re going back into special session, spending taxpayer dollars, working on something that won’t take effect until two years from now,” Stinson said. “What about right now, the struggling working families across this entire state?”

Stinson is encouraging voters to head to the polls for the May primary election on Tuesday.

A former Middle Georgia lawmaker is in favor of redistricting changes.

Former State Senator John F. Kennedy says a recent ruling helps clarify how states should follow the Voting Rights Act when drawing district maps.

Kennedy says he does not necessarily see a problem with the current maps but believes any districts drawn with racial intent would be improper.

“The Supreme Court said under its interpretation of the Voting Rights Act that maps drawn with a specific racial intent or in a way that is discriminatory based on race would be improper  and I think that’s something most Georgians and Americans understand and agree with,” Kennedy said.