New Maps! June Primary!
The NC General Assembly did it! And before the deadline demanded. On Friday, February 19, 2016, the new maps were finally approved and a June primary for US House seats will be held!
Early summer will be interrupted by the second primary in NC this year. June 7 will probably hold low turnout, as special primaries always do. But the impact of the outcome is meaningful.
Many of the new districts retain much of their previous territory, with a few exceptions. No county will be split between more than two congressional districts (down from four).
Counties will be kept whole, if possible. All of the incumbent congressmen were drawn in their districts, with the exception of Congresswoman Alma Adams (US-12) and Congressman George Holding (US-13).
The most radical change was moving the 13th District from east of the Triad and largely in the Triangle over to the west of the Triad (about 125 miles). This area is GOP-rich, so there might be high interest in the primary.
Filing will open soon, and then the ballot will be set.
What will the fall hold? Late winter has already been eventful!