North Carolina Republicans Win Ruling Allowing Use of Redrawn Congressional Map in 2026
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal three-judge panel ruled Wednesday that North Carolina can utilize a Republican-drawn congressional map for the 2026 midterm elections. The decision marks a important victory for the GOP as it seeks to gain an advantage in the upcoming election cycle.
The ruling stems from a legal challenge brought by plaintiffs,including the NAACP,alleging the redistricting plan violated voting rights. Though, the judges steadfast the plaintiffs “presented no direct evidence” of racial discrimination, finding rather that the 2025 redistricting was “motivated by partisan purposes.” This finding effectively applies a 2019 supreme Court decision that limits federal court intervention in cases of partisan gerrymandering.
The decision comes as former President Donald Trump has urged states to redraw congressional maps to bolster Republican control of Congress following the 2026 midterms. Republicans believe the new map will improve their chances of flipping a U.S. House seat in North Carolina.
Representatives for the NAACP did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding a potential appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The court’s full ruling can be found here.
