NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolina's newly drawn voting maps will debut for the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
Last October, a Republican-led general assembly voted to redistrict all of the state's Congressional districts, along with the state house and senate seats.
Jason Husser is an associate professor of political science at Elon University in North Carolina.
He said the new maps greatly lean to the GOP.
The maps faced legal challenges in federal court as opponents cited racial bias.
The new districts will likely play a big role in the political outlook in the Tar Heel State and beyond.
Right now, North Carolina sends seven Republicans and seven Democrats to Congress, but that's expected to shift.
"What we are probably going to see in 2024 is something like at 10-4 split, with 10 Republicans and four Democrats," said Husser. "Which could tip the needle in favor of maintaining control of the House of Representatives after the election."
In the state house and senate, it's all about the supermajority and veto power.
For years, Republicans have controlled the general assembly but with a Democratic governor, that forces both sides to work together.
"That changed. Now Republicans can override the governor's veto based on a person switching parties in the Charlotte area," said Husser. "The big question will be if Republicans will be able to maintain that supermajority."
That's a key focus for both parties in November.
"The big fight is not on Republican control it's whether or not Republicans can override the governor," said Husser.
The results of the elections for the general assembly and the governor could have big implications on issues like abortion and what should or should not be taught in schools.
Still, Husser says maps, though impactful, will not have the final say.
That power belongs to the voters.
"Good candidates or bad candidates can still change the outcome of a race beyond a map," said Husser.
The North Carolina primary is on March 5, the same day as Virginia.
North Carolinians have until March 2 for early voting or same-day registration.