The Tennessee Legislature should convene a special session to redraw the state's congressional map before the midterms, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., told Newsmax on Thursday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Blackburn said Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling on race-based redistricting presents a clear opportunity for Republican-led states to act swiftly and solidify conservative representation.
"I think the legislature should come back in immediately and go into special session and redraw these lines," Blackburn said.
"If you want to talk about how to cement a Republican majority, how to make certain that you have conservative leadership in this country, this is the way to do it."
Blackburn pointed to what she described as a "workable, defensible map" that could deliver all nine of Tennessee's congressional seats to Republicans — a significant shift that would reverberate nationally as both parties prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.
The Supreme Court's decision, which addressed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, reins in the use of race as a primary factor in drawing congressional districts.
Blackburn argued the ruling restores the law's "original intent" by preventing what she and other conservatives view as reverse discrimination.
"You cannot go in and gerrymander districts based on race," she said, adding that the Constitution should be applied in a "colorblind" manner.
The push for redistricting comes as Republicans continue to press their advantage on Capitol Hill, particularly in battles over government funding and border security.
Blackburn also weighed in on the standoff over Homeland Security funding, placing blame on Democrats.
"It is the Democrats that have chosen to shut down the federal government," she said. "It is the Democrats that have chosen three times to shut down Homeland Security."
Blackburn warned that the latest impasse, now stretching into its third month, threatens critical agencies beyond Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Secret Service, and FEMA.
"We need to make certain that Homeland Security is taken care of and that these individuals are being paid for the service that they are rendering every day," she said.
Echoing broader Republican messaging, Blackburn accused Democrats of pursuing policies that would weaken law enforcement and border security.
"We know that their goal is to abolish ICE, to defund the police, and to open the nation's borders," she said.
With President Donald Trump expected to weigh in on negotiations, Blackburn expressed optimism that Republican leadership will ultimately prevail.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.