North Carolina Republicans announce plans to vote on a new congressional map

North Carolina Republican lawmakers announced plans Monday to redraw their state's congressional map, part of a nationwide redistricting effort aimed at shoring up the party's narrow majority in the U.S.

North Carolina Republican lawmakers announced plans Monday to redraw their state's congressional map, part of a nationwide redistricting effort aimed at shoring up the party's narrow majority in the U.S. House ahead of next year's midterm elections.

“President Trump earned a clear mandate from the voters of North Carolina and the rest of the country, and we intend to defend it by drawing an additional Republican Congressional seat,” North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall said in a statement.

Under North Carolina's current map, Republicans control 10 House seats to Democrats' four. The 1st Congressional District, which is represented by Democratic Rep. Don Davis and is the most competitive seat in the state, is seen as a potential target.

In a joint statement, North Carolina’s Republican legislative leaders said they anticipate convening next week to consider a new map. Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, does not have veto power over the maps.

The decision is the latest in an aggressive and unusual mid-decade redistricting cycle around the country. Redistricting typically occurs after once-a-decade Census results are released.