Thread by @Redistrict

Big: the new map the #NCGA just passed is an insurance policy for Dems' House majority. It effectively gifts Dems two additional seats in 2020 (#NC02 & #NC06).

And, a pending Dem lawsuit against it could put one *more* seat in play, giving Dems/Pelosi even more insurance.

So why are Dems suing to invalidate a new map that converts a 10R-3D map to an 8R-5D map? Because they have nothing to lose: a map drawn by a special court-appointed master would only get even better for them vs. the remedial map just drawn by the GOP-led #NCGA.

The key region in dispute? Fayetteville, Robeson Co., & the Sandhills. The new R-drawn map still divides Dem votes there between #NC08 & #NC09 to protect two R incumbents who live in the far-away Charlotte suburbs.

Dems would much prefer NC courts enact a map like this one, which puts Fayetteville & the Sandhills together to create a new #NC08 that Clinton would've narrowly won in '16 & where state Sen. Ben Clark (D) could run in '20.

Would effectively be 7R-5D, w/ 1 Lean D.