Georgia Republican legislative leaders have rejected Governor Brian Kemp's call to redraw the state's congressional and legislative districts during a special session. This decision halts an effort that could have reshaped the state's political maps for the 2028 elections.
Governor Kemp had called the special session so Republicans could secure one or more additional House seats in the 2028 elections. However, lawmakers pulled the plug, telling the governor that they did not have enough time to draw new maps.
The decision follows a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minority voters. Lawmakers cited a rushed timeline and an incomplete understanding of the ramifications of the decision. Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns stated that it is important to do things the Georgia way, responsibly, transparently, and with ample opportunity for public input.