“That map is an unconstitutional gerrymander, and its use would violate the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights,” he said.
Justice Elena Kagan warned the decision risked letting states “systematically dilute minority citizens’ voting power”.
The case centred on a map redrawn after the 2020 census, which was challenged by non-Black voters for relying too heavily on race.
Such districts often favour Democrats, meaning the decision could give Republicans an in-built advantage.
Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer called the ruling a “devastating blow” to the VRA, stating the court “turned its back on one of the most sacred promises in American democracy”.
Soon after the ruling, the Florida legislature approved a new map proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aiming to eliminate or shrink Democratic-leaning districts.
