The State Senate has passed a new redistricting plan on a partisan vote.
The new map is expected to give Republicans an advantage over the next decade.
Currently, Republicans hold 19 of the 24 state Senate seats.
While the proposed districts don’t zig or zag, Minority Leader Senator Sylvia Larsen says Democratic strongholds have been pushed into blue ghettos.
“Having Portsmouth and Durham bonded together in a new district that wasn’t required to do by voter numbers, or citizen numbers. That was done by a desire to pile Democratic performing districts together. Perfect example.”
Republican dismissed the criticism, saying their plan wasn't driven by politics.
Leaders from both parties agree that controlling the Senate majority comes down to convincing swing voters their way.
The House is expected to pass the Senate map.