Republicans Gain Big Edge In Redistricting Battle Over Dems

If ongoing efforts in Louisiana and Alabama ultimately survive legal challenges, Republicans could finish the cycle with as many as 10 additional House seats favoring the GOP compared to gains secured by Democrats through redistricting.

The battle intensified after a major Supreme Court ruling last month weakened a key remaining provision of the Voting Rights Act, opening the door for additional map changes in several southern states.

“There is no normal,” said Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University who closely tracks redistricting developments.

“The Supreme Court has effectively announced that the adults have left the room,” Levitt said.