Story perspectives

Courts and Governors Redraw Virginia, Florida, Texas Districts

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Courts and governors are reshaping districts in Virginia, Florida and Texas as the 2026 midterms near.
On April 28, the Virginia Supreme Court refused to lift the Tazewell County injunction, leaving the amendment uncertified.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a map that could add up to four Republican-leaning districts if approved.
The U.S. Supreme Court let Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s map stay for the 2025 primary after reversing an order.

History

Historical Context

The 1962 Supreme Court decision Baker v. Carr, authored by Justice William J. Brennan and joined by Chief Justice Earl Warren, declared legislative redistricting justiciable, overturning Tennessee’s failure to redraw districts since 1901 and prompting a 6-2 ruling that required states to equalize voter representation. That one-person-one-vote mandate has driven partisan map battles now resurfacing in Virginia, Florida and Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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Story summary

Courts and governors are reshaping districts in Virginia, Florida and Texas as the 2026 midterms near.
On April 28, the Virginia Supreme Court refused to lift the Tazewell County injunction, leaving the amendment uncertified.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a map that could add up to four Republican-leaning districts if approved.
The U.S. Supreme Court let Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s map stay for the 2025 primary after reversing an order.

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