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SCOTUS Won't Block Pennsylvania State Gerrymandering Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court said it won't block a state court's ruling that requires Pennsylvania's legislature to redraw its congressional districts.

SCOTUS Won't Block Pennsylvania State Gerrymandering Ruling
U.S. Department of the Interior
By Briana Koeneman
SMS
February 5, 2018

It looks like Pennsylvania will have a revamped congressional map soon.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said it won't block a state court's earlier ruling that requires Pennsylvania's legislature to redraw its congressional districts.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court decided last month that the state's existing congressional map unfairly benefits Republicans and "clearly, plainly and palpably" violates Pennsylvania's constitution.

The state court's ruling gives lawmakers until Friday to draw up a new map. Gov. Tom Wolf would have until Feb. 15 to approve or veto the changes. And if they can't come to an agreement, the state Supreme Court will redraw the boundaries itself.

The decision comes as both Republicans and Democrats prepare for midterm elections this year. And a new congressional map could help Democrats pick up a few Republican-held spots in Pennsylvania.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.