Tennessee Congressional Map to Remain in Place for August Primary Following Court Ruling

A three-judge panel ruled that a redrawn congressional map in Tennessee, which is expected to give Republicans a 9-0 advantage in congressional seats, will remain in effect for the state's primary on August 6. The panel denied a request for a preliminary injunction from a group of Black Tennessee voters and civil rights organizations, who argued that the map was designed to weaken Black voters' power. The lawsuit arose after Tennessee lawmakers redrew the congressional map during a special session in May, following a Supreme Court ruling that made it more difficult to challenge redistricting plans on racial discrimination grounds. The new map divides Memphis and Shelby County into three congressional districts, effectively dismantling the state's only majority-Black district. The judges, two appointed by former President Trump and one by former President Barack Obama, stated that the evidence indicated partisan politics were the primary motivation for the redistricting. They noted that the plaintiffs did not present sufficient evidence to support their claims of racial motivation behind the map's design. The lawsuit remains ongoing despite the denial of the injunction.