By J. Holly McCall | Editor-in-Chief
Good afternoon, Lookout readers.
Apologies for the late arrival. This newsletter ran into some trouble on the runway, but it’s finally here. Thanks for your patience and for reading.
Controversy continues over recently redrawn congressional maps by the Republican Party.
As Adam Friedman reports this morning, an analysis of election data shows Tennessee's new districts appear to have been specifically tailored to create a scenario in which in which U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who is also running for governor, could win in all nine.
Blackburn lost two districts to former Gov. Phil Bredesen in 2018. Had she run in 2018 under the new map, she would have won every district, albeit by very small margins.
The fallout isn't just in Tennessee. The NAACP, the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization, is calling for a boycott of Southeastern Conference sports following redistricting in southern states intended to carve out more Republican districts and dilute Black voting power.
THE LOOKOUT’S TOP STORY
Hundreds of people protesting against a special legislative session to redraw Tennessee congressional districts to eliminate the only majority-Black, majority-Democrat district march up the steps of the state Capitol on May 5, 2026. Three lawsuits now challenge the new map’s legality. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson)
by Adam Friedman
Election data shows that Tennessee’s last-minute new U.S. House districts were drawn to create nine seats where Trump won 60% of the vote in the presidential election of 2024 and Blackburn won the 2018 Senate election.
NEWS AND NOTES
US Senate votes to advance resolution limiting Trump war in Iran as Cassidy flips | Ashley Murray, States Newsroom
New student loan limits challenged by Democratic attorneys general, governors in lawsuit | Shauneen Miranda, States Newsroom
FEATURED ON THE LOOKOUT
The 2030 Super Bowl will be played in the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, slated for completion in 2027.(Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
The National Football League’s owners voted Tuesday at its spring meeting in Orlando, Florida to play Super Bowl LXIV at the new Nissan Stadium in 2030
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is accused of violating the U.S. Constitution in a case filed by the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)
by Sam Stockard
The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Davidson County Chancery Court against the Tennessee Highway Patrol, claiming its practice of systematic roadway stops violates people’s constitutional rights.
ICYMI
Election officials move quickly to adjust districts for August primary in Tennessee | Cassandra Stephenson
Who’s running in Tennessee’s new 2026 U.S. Congress races | Adam Friedman
COMMENTARY
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