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Supreme Court Greenlights Partisan Maps Amid Public Outcry

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed partisan voting maps for the November midterm elections.
The 2019 Rucho v. Common Cause decision stripped federal courts of the ability to review partisan gerrymandering and enabled aggressive redistricting in Texas and California.
Legal experts say this ruling has intensified the gerrymandering arms race as both parties seek electoral advantages.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority has upheld partisan maps, stating that such practices are political acts reserved for legislatures.
Public opinion shows disapproval, with 61% of Americans believing recent redistricting plans harm democracy.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed partisan voting maps for the November midterm elections.
The 2019 Rucho v. Common Cause decision stripped federal courts of the ability to review partisan gerrymandering and enabled aggressive redistricting in Texas and California.
Legal experts say this ruling has intensified the gerrymandering arms race as both parties seek electoral advantages.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority has upheld partisan maps, stating that such practices are political acts reserved for legislatures.
Public opinion shows disapproval, with 61% of Americans believing recent redistricting plans harm democracy.