Memphis Lawmaker Proposes Secession After GOP Redistricting Vote
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Memphis, Tenn. State Rep. Antonio Parkinson called this week for Memphis and surrounding West Tennessee counties to secede from Tennessee and form a new state after the Tennessee GOP supermajority approved a congressional map Thursday that splits Memphis into three districts. Parkinson made the proposal during a legislative hearing and reiterated it Friday on Action News 5's A Better Memphis broadcast.
The Thursday vote prompted protests at the state capitol and promises of legal action from Democratic lawmakers, with State Rep. Jesse Chism calling the split evidence of racial targeting and House Speaker Cameron Sexton defending the map as population-based; Parkinson urged convening legal scholars and constitutional attorneys to explore options while affected members, including U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen and State Rep. Justin Pearson, no longer reside in the new District 9.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Thursday: Tennessee GOP supermajority approves congressional map splitting Memphis into three districts.
- 2. Thursday: Protests occur at the state capitol and Democratic lawmakers promise legal challenges.
- 3. Thursday (post-vote hearing): State Rep. Antonio Parkinson publicly calls for Memphis to secede from Tennessee.
- 4. Thursday afternoon: Memphis city leaders unveil an honorary street sign for Kevin Kane downtown.
- 5. Friday: Parkinson reiterates and expands secession proposal on Action News 5 broadcast, proposing a new West Tennessee.
Why it matters
This redistricting could change who represents you in Congress. It might also affect local policies and funding. If you're in Memphis or West Tennessee, keep an eye on the developments. Check who your current representative is and how the changes might impact you.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
