NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) - Rutherford County’s days as a single-district community are likely coming to an end as state lawmakers fast-track a new congressional map. The final plan, released during this week's special session in Nashville, splits local representation between the 4th and 9th districts. This means for the first time, a portion of the county will share a representative with residents in Downtown Memphis.

The redistricting move comes after high-level discussions among state Republican leadership and a recent push for map changes following U.S. Supreme Court rulings. While the 4th District continues to cover much of Rutherford County, currently represented by Congressman Scott DesJarlais, the redrawn 9th District has been expanded hundreds of miles eastward to include parts of northwestern Rutherford County. Legislative leaders say the split is necessary due to the explosive population growth in Rutherford County.

However, the change has sparked immediate debate over whether local interests will be sidelined by being grouped with the state's largest western city. The General Assembly is expected to move the legislation to the floor for a final vote as early as Thursday afternoon.

If signed into law by Governor Bill Lee, the new boundaries will be in effect for the upcoming 2026 primary and general elections.