N.C. Senate redistricting map moves Alleghany County to new District 30

Carolina Senate on Nov. 25 moves Alleghany into a new district with Surry, Yadkin and Stokes counties.

Meanwhile, the N.C. House released its redistricting plans as well, which leave Alleghany in District 90 with a portion of Surry County including Mount Airy. However, the part of southern Surry that includes Pilot Mountain was removed from the district, while portions of Mount Airy were added. Jim Harrell, the incumbent Democrat from Surry, would not face major changes, or challenges, if he chooses to run for re-election.

The maps were recently approved by Gov. Mike Easley.

The plans passed the N.C. House by a vote of 72-44 and the N.C. Senate by a 25-23 margin.

There are indications, however, of another lawsuit written to overturn the current maps. A similar lawsuit forced lawmakers to redraw maps and eventually use maps drawn by a judge in the 2002 elections. This set of maps is the third set released in two years. All of the previous maps were declared unconstitutional by the courts. In 2001, a Republican lawsuit against the set of maps drawn by Democrats resulted in redistricting rules and new maps.

As for the Senate plan, it would place two incumbent senators — John Garwood of Wilkes County and Virginia Foxx of Watauga County in the same district. Garwood currently represents eastern Wilkes, Surry and Stokes counties. Foxx represents the 45th, which currently includes Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Caldwell counties and the western portion of Wilkes County. However, Foxx is not seeking re-election to the N.C. Senate, instead opting to make a run for the 5th District U.S. House seat currently held by Rep. Richard Burr. Foxx is facing a host of Republican challengers in the primary. Meanwhile, Burr, a Republican, is giving up his seat to run for Sen. John Edwards' senate seat, which Edwards vacated to run as a Democratic candidate for President. Burr likely will be facing off against Democrat Erskine Bowles, a former official in the administration of President Bill Clinton who lost his last bid for U.S. Senate to Elizabeth Dole.

The N.C. Senate redistricting map has Alleghany in the 30th District along with Surry, Yadkin and Stokes counties. Alleghany was in the 45th District.

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