Georgia Republicans balk at Gov Kemp's move to redraw congressional districts

Just hours before Georgia lawmakers were set to go into special session on Wednesday to redraw the state's congressional districts, House Speaker Jon Burns said it will not be on the agenda.

"Change 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," Burns said. "For this reason we will not be taking up congressional or legislative redistricting for the 2028 election cycle during this special session."

Several states have redrawn their district lines after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which held that race should not be a factor in drawing district lines.

Burns said there are other court cases pending, including one in Georgia, where the impact of the ruling is being analyzed.

The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll shows that 50% of registered voters say congressional lines should only be redrawn once every 10 years after the U.S. Census, except when required by a court.

Democrats polled are more opposed to mid-decade redistricting. Fifty-seven percent say they favor drawing new lines once a decade, while 40% of Republicans said states should be allowed to redraw the lines earlier.

Lawmakers still have a full plate for the special session.

A 2024 bill passed by lawmakers that bans election officials from using QR codes during ballot counting is on the agenda. Senate Bill 189 was not funded and takes effect on July 1.

The General Assembly will also consider local bills that will allow cities and counties to seek voter approval of a sales tax to offset property taxes. Lawmakers are expected to rubber-stamp a two-week extension of the motor fuel tax moratorium ordered by Gov. Brian Kemp in late May.