A federal judge has struck down Georgia's congressional and state legislative maps and ordered the redrawing of district lines before the 2024 election.
U.S. District Judge Steve Jones ruled that the Republican-controlled state legislature improperly diluted the power of Black voters.
Jones ordered the creation of an additional majority-Black congressional district in metro Atlanta and seven other majority-Black districts in the Georgia General Assembly.
“The Court reiterates that Georgia has made great strides since 1965 towards equality in voting,” Jones stated in his ruling. “However, the evidence before this Court shows that Georgia has not reached the point where the political process has equal openness and equal opportunity for everyone.”
The legislature must draw new maps by Dec. 8. If it fails to do so, the court will order the creation of a remedial map.
The state's current congressional delegation has nine Republicans and five Democrats.
The Hill reports on what to expect next:
Although Georgia could appeal, the decision paves the way to boost Black voting representation in the Peach State, also potentially aiding Democrats' attempt to retake the House next year.
“After conducting a thorough and sifting review of the evidence in this case, the Court finds that the State of Georgia violated the Voting Rights Act when it enacted its congressional and legislative maps,” Jones, an Obama appointee, wrote in a 516-page opinion.
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A spokesperson for Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (R) said the office was reviewing the order and declined further comment.
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The plaintiffs noted the state's Black population had grown significantly since the last redistricting cycle, arguing the map designs had not kept up.
Jones' ruling will likely lead to a special session to redraw Georgia's political boundaries.
Other states could get new congressional maps before next year's elections.
A federal appeals court in New Orleans is hearing a similar case challenging Louisiana's congressional map. Two days ago, North Carolina Republicans passed a redistricting map that will likely flip three or four seats to the GOP.
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