Tennessee Republicans Remove Democrats From Committees After Redistricting Protest

Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed Democratic lawmakers from all committee and subcommittee assignments following protests over the state’s controversial congressional redistricting plan. The disciplinary action came after tense demonstrations erupted during a special legislative session in Nashville focused on redrawing Tennessee’s congressional map.

The Republican-led Tennessee House recently approved a new congressional district map that dismantles a Black-majority U.S. House district centered around Memphis, a city with a large African American population. Critics argue the redistricting effort could weaken Black voting power and increase Republican chances of winning the seat in upcoming elections.

During the heated House session, protesters in the gallery shouted slogans, sounded air horns, and voiced opposition to the revised district boundaries. Several Democratic lawmakers also staged symbolic demonstrations on the House floor, linking arms in prayer while objecting to the redistricting vote. Republicans accused Democrats of encouraging disorder and disrupting legislative proceedings.

In a letter addressed to House Democratic leader Karen Camper, Speaker Sexton stated that Democratic lawmakers were stripped of committee assignments for “instigating and encouraging” disruptions inside the chamber. He specifically cited actions such as blocking aisles, interlocking arms in the House well, and using prohibited noisemakers and props during the protest.

Tennessee Republicans currently hold a strong majority in the state House, controlling 75 of the 99 seats. Democrats hold the remaining 24 seats. Representative Justin Jones, a Black Democrat from Nashville, criticized the decision online, calling it part of a broader pattern of racial discrimination and abuse of political power.

Karen Camper, who represents Memphis, also condemned the congressional map overhaul, describing it as one of the legislature’s most troubling abuses of authority in recent years. She said Democrats would continue speaking out against what they view as retaliation and voter suppression despite the disciplinary measures imposed by the Republican supermajority.