Here’s what has been proposed.
Political tensions exploded in Tennessee this week after Democrats reacted angrily to a newly approved congressional map backed by Republicans and signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee.
One Democrat lawmaker even suggested that Memphis should separate from the state entirely.
State Rep. Antonio Parkinson stunned lawmakers Thursday when he openly called for Memphis to secede from Tennessee during debate over the new district map.
“Let Memphis secede from the state of Tennessee,” Parkinson said. “Let my people go. I’m dead serious.”
The emotional outburst came after Tennessee Republicans pushed through a major redistricting overhaul that Democrats claim weakens their political influence in the state’s largest Democrat strongholds.
Republicans, however, argue the new map is necessary following recent court rulings involving congressional districts and racial gerrymandering.
At the center of the battle is the Memphis-based congressional district currently represented by Democrat Steve Cohen. The updated map would divide that district into three separate congressional districts, dramatically reshaping Tennessee’s political landscape.
Democrats immediately accused Republicans of trying to dilute Democrat voting power in Memphis and Nashville ahead of future elections.
Parkinson argued that Memphis continues contributing enormous economic value to Tennessee while allegedly losing political influence in return.
“This is no longer simply about maps,” Parkinson said in comments to local media. “Memphis contributes billions in tax revenue, labor, commerce, and culture, while its representation continues being reduced.”
He also accused state leaders of hiding behind procedure rather than openly admitting they no longer want Memphis voters choosing representatives who reflect their community.
The controversy quickly reignited old tensions between Memphis Democrats and the Republican-controlled state government.
This is not the first time Parkinson has floated the idea of Memphis breaking away from Tennessee. He previously made similar remarks in 2018 after accusing state officials of unfairly targeting the city through budget decisions.
Meanwhile, Republicans defended the new congressional map by pointing to a recent Supreme Court ruling involving Louisiana’s congressional districts. That ruling forced Louisiana lawmakers to redraw district boundaries after the Court determined one map violated constitutional standards tied to racial gerrymandering.
Following that decision, Tennessee Republicans moved quickly to revise their own congressional boundaries.
President Donald Trump praised the effort and revealed he had a “very good conversation” with Gov. Lee regarding Tennessee’s response to the court ruling.
Supporters of the new map say the changes are about constitutional fairness and equal representation. Democrats argue the plan is politically motivated and designed to weaken their influence for years to come.
Cohen blasted the new map as “shameful” and promised legal action, accusing Tennessee Republicans of undermining Memphis voters through aggressive redistricting tactics.
The fight is now expected to move into the courts, setting up another major political showdown over congressional maps, voting power, and representation heading into the next election cycle.