Raphael Warnock calls for probe into redistricting officials
TheGrio...
Georgia senator Raphael Warnock says Congress should examine whether race influenced new voting maps.
Sen. Raphael Warnock is urging Democrats to investigate officials involved in congressional redistricting if the party regains control of Congress. He argues that newly drawn maps have weakened Black voting power and says lawmakers should examine whether race played a role.
In a plan first reviewed by ABC News, Warnock said Democrats should investigate politicians who have “manipulated their maps to silence the voices of Black voters.” He also called for banning partisan gerrymandering, expanding voting rights and limiting the influence of money in elections. Warnock said Congress should use hearings, document requests, testimony and, if necessary, subpoenas to determine whether officials violated the law while redrawing voting districts.
“Here is what Democrats must do as soon as we regain power: investigate craven politicians, ban partisan gerrymandering, stop billionaires from buying our elections, expand our democracy and guarantee the right to vote for all Americans,” said Warnock.
Raphael Warnock said the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais to narrow protections under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, marked an “inflection point” in the fight over congressional maps. The ruling comes as several Republican-led Southern states redraw congressional districts. According to Warnock, those changes could threaten the seats of members of the Congressional Black Caucus before the 2028 elections.
Republicans have argued the new maps comply with the Supreme Court’s decision or correct what they view as unfair district boundaries. They also maintain that some of the revised districts could still elect Black representatives. Warnock said he has pushed Democrats to prioritize voting rights since joining the Senate in 2021.
Looking ahead, Raphael Warnock said Democrats should revive parts of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act if they regain control of even one chamber of Congress. He said lawmakers should bring the legislation up for votes and make members publicly state their positions. Warnock has not ruled out a presidential run in 2028. His latest proposal comes as voting rights and redistricting continue to shape the political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.