world-economy

Court Rulings Erode Democratic Path to House Control

Democrats' chances of winning House control in November have fallen to 75% from 85% following a pair of adverse court decisions, according to prediction market data. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled April 29 that a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana was invalid, restricting how race can be considered in redistricting and weakening protections under the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana will redraw its maps, likely losing one Democratic seat. Tennessee last week approved new boundaries for a majority-Black Memphis district, endangering a Democratic incumbent. Alabama and South Carolina are weighing similar map changes. These alterations could jeopardize up to three additional Democratic representatives. Democrats suffered a second setback Friday when Virginia's Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved referendum that would have created up to four additional Democratic-leaning districts. This decision leaves Virginia's current congressional districts in place for the 2026 election. Florida subsequently moved to add four Republican seats through redistricting.