Story perspectives

Kemp Orders June 2026 Redistricting Session Post-Court Ruling

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation ordering Georgia General Assembly to meet June 17, 2026 in Atlanta for redistricting and election-code matters.
U.S. Supreme Court’s April 29, 2026 decision in Louisiana v. Callais bars race as the predominant factor in district drawing and limits the meeting to revising 2028 maps and addressing July 1 changes to 2024 election code.
Republicans urge contiguity and compactness, while Democrats call the Court’s ruling a defeat for American democracy.

History

Historical Context

Shaw v. Reno (1993) saw the Supreme Court strike down North Carolina’s snake-shaped, race-dominant district in a 5-4 decision, establishing strict-scrutiny for racial gerrymanders. The ruling spurred challenges in Georgia, Texas, Florida and Louisiana and shaped later cases such as Miller v. Johnson (1995). Georgia’s June 17, 2026 redistricting deadline now reflects that precedent, forcing maps to prioritize compactness over race.

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Story summary

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation ordering Georgia General Assembly to meet June 17, 2026 in Atlanta for redistricting and election-code matters.
U.S. Supreme Court’s April 29, 2026 decision in Louisiana v. Callais bars race as the predominant factor in district drawing and limits the meeting to revising 2028 maps and addressing July 1 changes to 2024 election code.
Republicans urge contiguity and compactness, while Democrats call the Court’s ruling a defeat for American democracy.

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