Georgia Republicans are targeting Democratic U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop’s southwest Georgia seat, weighing a map redraw after November that could make the 17-term incumbent vulnerable in 2028.
Bishop is seeking an 18th term against Republican business owner Matt Day under the current 2nd Congressional District boundaries. The district stretches from Macon and Columbus through Albany to the Florida border. Certified 2024 results show Bishop defeated Republican Wayne Johnson 56.3% to 43.7%, and he remains favored this November.
The longer-term threat follows the Supreme Court’s April ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. The 6-3 majority struck down a Louisiana map containing a second majority-Black district and tightened standards for using race to satisfy Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Republican leaders say the decision gives Georgia lawmakers more room to reconfigure Bishop’s majority-minority district before 2028.
Gov. Brian Kemp called a June special session, but House Republicans declined to advance new maps. Some members feared the fight could energize Democratic voters and distract from Republican economic messaging, The Associated Press reported. GOP leaders have not ruled out revisiting the issue after November and before Kemp leaves office in January.
Bishop has survived repeated Republican challenges by emphasizing constituent service, agriculture and federal spending. As a senior House Appropriations Committee member, he has helped secure money for farm programs, storm relief and military installations including Fort Benning and Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
Republicans argue the district was designed to insulate Bishop and say Day can protect farmers while advancing conservative positions on abortion and gun rights. Yet some South Georgia conservatives caution Bishop’s seniority could benefit the region if Democrats retake the House.
The debate now extends beyond one election.
