Memphis now represented by trio of Republicans in Congress after redistricting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis is now represented by three Republicans in Washington after the state legislature redrew the congressional map. Memphis was once the only majority-Democratic congressional district in Tennessee.

Memphis residents told Action News 5 they want their congressmen to address grocery prices, gas prices, and medical care.

Each resident also added one word to their answer: fairly. Some residents said they are nervous that will not happen with Republicans representing them.

“I don’t feel good about it,” Lee, a Memphis resident, said.

Mary, a Whitehaven resident, said, “Senior citizens need more help on our grocery bills, gas bills, and medical bills.”

Lee said, “Groceries are expensive. Housing is expensive. Gas is expensive. All of that.”

More than 172,000 Shelby County residents voted for a Democratic candidate in the House races, compared with 72,000 who voted for Republican candidates.

The unprecedented redistricting diluted the Black and Democratic vote in Memphis.

Republican Congressman-elect Brent Taylor, representing the 9th US Congressional District, saw the redistricting differently.

“How were their voices eliminated? I barely won this race with 2,800 votes. Their voices were very well heard,” Taylor said.

Lawmakers discuss next steps

Taylor said he does not expect to bring Democratic issues to Congress, but still said he will fight for his entire District including Memphis.

“I don’t think I’ll have to bring any Democratic issues to Congress. The Democrats took the majority. I think they’ll have plenty of issues they’ll bring on their own,” Taylor said.

Republican Rep. David Kustoff was reelected for the 8th Congressional District. He said lawmakers will have to work together, including across the aisle, as the House and Senate have a Democratic majority.

“Everybody needs to understand what the issues are, what needs to be fixed, and then try to come up with common sense solutions. And I hope that we can,” Kustoff said.

Kustoff said the economy is the top concern he hears from residents.

“The economy is a number one. I mean, people are concerned about inflation. They’re concerned about high gas costs and energy costs and food costs. And that’s stuff that I hear,” Kustoff said.

Kustoff has spent nine years in Congress. He said there is a lot of work to be done before the new Congress comes in, including funding the government and passing bills.

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