On May 23, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark 6-3 decision ruling that partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case, Rucho v. Common Cause, was brought by voters in North Carolina and Maryland challenging maps drawn to favor one party.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, stating that "excessive partisan advantage" in redistricting undermines democratic representation. The decision effectively bans the practice of drawing district lines to entrench a political party's power, though it leaves states to implement specific standards.
Justice Elena Kagan, in a concurring opinion, emphasized that the ruling empowers courts to review extreme partisan gerrymanders. Dissenting justices argued the issue should be left to legislatures and voters.
The ruling is expected to reshape redistricting ahead of the 2030 census, with several states already pledging to adopt independent commissions. Legal experts say the decision could affect pending cases in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.
