Georgia lawmakers open special session as GOP pauses redistricting plan amid protests

ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - Republican leaders say they won’t move forward — for now — on new congressional maps, while debates continue on voting procedures and property tax relief.

Georgia lawmakers began the first day of a special legislative session with three major issues on the agenda, but the day’s early focus shifted to redistricting — and an announcement by Republican leaders that they would not move forward with plans to redraw the state’s congressional districts, at least for now.

The decision was celebrated by Democratic lawmakers and hundreds of protesters who packed the Statehouse halls. When the announcement was made, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Republicans had proposed redrawing Georgia’s congressional lines after a U.S. Supreme Court decision weakened the Voting Rights Act. About an hour before the special session began, the Republican caucus said it would no longer push for redistricting during this session.

House Speaker Jon Burns said Republicans still plan to draw a new map, but will take more time to do so and to gather public input.

“We believe that it is important to do the things the Georgia Way, responsibly, transparently and with ample time for public input,” Burns said.

Democrats warned that a new map could alter the political power of majority-Black districts. Members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses rallied alongside protesters, saying they intend to protect voting access and representation.

Corey Foreman, the Democratic nominee for a District 1 state Senate seat, said voters should not be sidelined in the redistricting process.

“The people of Georgia pick their politicians. It shouldn’t be the other way around,” Foreman said. He added, “Without their involvement this is what happens — politics just becomes a sport, and it stops being about the people.”

Though the delay drew cheers, Republican leaders signaled the redistricting debate is not over. They argued that not rushing map changes during the special session could strengthen their legal position later.

Sen. Larry Walker, the Republican president pro tempore, said he expects Georgia’s eventual districts to survive court challenges.

“We are confident that Georgia’s new districts will ultimately withstand legal scrutiny and that Georgia will prevail in defending these maps before the court,” Walker said.

Protesters said they plan to keep up pressure as lawmakers continue their work. Kayla Garthus, one of the demonstrators, said she was encouraged but not satisfied.

“Excited to be where we are right now and that we’ve got the Republicans with their tails between their legs, but the fight’s not over,” Garthus said.

While the redistricting decision came before the session began, lawmakers still have other key issues on the agenda, including changes to voting procedures and a property tax relief proposal.