Story perspectives

Republicans Push Mid-Decade Redistricting; Courts Block Maps, Democrats Draft Amendments

5/25/2026

Center

Democrats Draft Amendments

South Carolina Senate Democrats have drafted over 100 amendments and are pursuing a cloture vote before early voting on Tuesday.
Republican lawmakers are advancing mid-decade congressional redistricting nationwide after the Supreme Court weakened Voting Rights Act protections.
Tennessee and Alabama have enacted congressional maps, yet courts bar their use in November 2026 elections.
Democrats need voter approval to replace commissions in Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Washington before 2028 redistricting.

Left

Ferguson Pushes Redistricting

Ferguson said protecting minority voices must guide any new congressional map.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson announced an amendment and special session to redraw congressional districts after Voting Rights Act ruling.
The House of Delegates approved a Democratic-leaning map, leaving the Senate yet to vote.
Governor Wes Moore pledged aggressive redistricting and urged the Senate to act after the June 23 primary.

History

Historical Context

On June 25 2013 the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Shelby County v. Holder struck down the Voting Rights Act’s coverage formula, ending federal preclearance and prompting states to redraw districts unchecked. The 2021 For the People Act sought to restore protections, but a 50-50 Senate deadlock stalled it. Now South Carolina Democrats propose 100 amendments and Maryland’s Senate President Bill Ferguson calls a session, echoing the post-Holder scramble.

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Democrats Draft Amendments

South Carolina Senate Democrats have drafted over 100 amendments and are pursuing a cloture vote before early voting on Tuesday.
Republican lawmakers are advancing mid-decade congressional redistricting nationwide after the Supreme Court weakened Voting Rights Act protections.
Tennessee and Alabama have enacted congressional maps, yet courts bar their use in November 2026 elections.
Democrats need voter approval to replace commissions in Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Washington before 2028 redistricting.

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