Tennessee's new House map tightens GOP grip while leaving room for Democratic gains

Tennessee Republicans released a 2026 congressional map likely to give the GOP nine seats, with Dave’s Redistricting suggesting Democrats could net about 2–3 in a midterm. The plan splits Memphis and Nashville across three districts, aims to reduce margins in several seats, and highlights districts 5, 8, and 9 as most competitive based on 2020 and 2024 results. The map follows the Supreme Court ruling easing majority-minority requirements, and the final map was passed on May 7, 2026, reopening the candidate qualification deadline.