ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are expected to give final passage Thursday to maps changing congressional districts. That would not necessarily end the drama.
There’s almost no question Republican lawmakers will approve their congressional map and adjourn this special session on Thursday. The question is, what happens next?
The House Reapportionment Committee held its final hearing on the redrawn congressional maps that public commenters have almost universally condemned as overly partisan and likely illegal.
Republicans passed the maps anyway.
"I am optimistic, or cautiously optimistic, we have done what the judge wants. Because we have complied with the text of his order," said state Rep. Rob Leverett (R-Elberton), the chair of the House reapportionment committee.
The maps would substantially shift two congressional districts – creating a new majority Black district in the majority white district now held by Democratic US Rep. Lucy McBath – and turning Republican US Rep. Rich McCormick’s swing district into a safe Republican seat.
"In creating a new Black District Six, they have eliminated a minority opportunity district, which is District Seven," said Ken Lawler of Better Districts Georgia.
He said it’s likely the judge who ordered the maps redrawn will review the Republican maps – and decide to redraw the maps without the legislature’s help.
"That scenario would require a special master," said Lawler. A special master is a mapmaking specialist appointed by the judge, and Lawler predicts it will happen. "The judge has clearly indicated he would give the state one chance in his order, and he would use a special master if necessary," Lawler said.
Lawler explained redrawing the map yet again isn’t as hard as it may sound – and predicts it could easily get done in time for Georgia’s primary election next March if the judge orders it.