Georgia Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw State Electoral Maps

The governor signed a proclamation Wednesday convening the Georgia General Assembly in special session beginning June 17 to redraw the state's electoral maps. The move follows a 6-3 U.S. Supreme Court ruling on April 29 that a Louisiana congressional district relied too heavily on race and constituted an unconstitutional gerrymander.

Any new maps produced must take effect for the 2028 election cycle. The regular 2026 legislative session ended April 3, necessitating the special session to address redistricting. Lawmakers will be restricted to two topics during the session. The first involves enacting, revising, repealing or amending laws governing districts for the state Senate, state House, U.S. House of Representatives and other district-based offices.

The second purpose is to resolve issues stemming from a July 1 effective date for changes to the state election code made under a 2024 law. The governor had previously signaled that a special session would be required after the Supreme Court decision.

Officials indicated that early voting for the 2026 elections was already underway and that map changes would not affect those contests.

Southern Callais has prompted several southern states to examine their congressional and legislative maps. Across the South, some state legislatures are moving to redraw district lines after the decision. Black voters have expressed concern that their voting strength could be affected.

The governor later called off a special session on judicial redistricting but reiterated the intent to redraw congressional and legislative districts without specifying a timeline. The Georgia action makes the state the latest in the region to initiate map-making in response to the ruling.

The governor praised the Supreme Court decision at the time, stating it restores fairness to the redistricting process and allows states to draw maps that reflect the will of voters rather than federal judges. The chairman said maps should avoid the distorting influence of racial targets.

Democratic officials criticized the Supreme Court ruling that prompted the session. One senator called it a profound defeat for American democracy that would allow partisan politicians to choose their voters. A House member representing parts of metro Atlanta described it as another step away from equal representation.

The governor had noted that any map changes would not occur in time to affect the 2026 elections. None of the new maps are expected to be implemented before the 2028 cycle. The special session proclamation limits lawmakers strictly to the two designated purposes.

Any redistricting legislation must comply with the parameters set by the Supreme Court decision issued six weeks ago.