The Hugh Hewitt Show: Highly Concentrated SCOTUS and the VRA, Alaska's new oil rush, and the God Squad
12 snips
Apr 30, 2026 Guest
Sarah C. Bedford
Guest
Joseph LeConte
Guest
Mary Katharine Ham
Guest
Jim Talent
Guest
Steve Daines
Guest
Doug Burgum
Sarah C. Bedford, Washington Examiner journalist covering the Supreme Court VRA decision. Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary and former North Dakota governor on energy and Alaska oil. Steve Daines, senator on China travel and advocacy. Jim Talent, former senator on Iran blockade strategy. Mary Katharine Ham, political commentator on media and the Correspondents' Dinner. Joseph LeConte, author on Tolkien and Lewis influences.
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SCOTUS Limits Race In Redistricting
- The Supreme Court narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act so race cannot be used as a factor in drawing maps unless prior discriminatory intent is proven.
- Justice Alito said mapmakers may use any algorithm except racial criteria, restoring a clearer boundary between race- and partisan-based claims.
Redraw Unconstitutional Maps Promptly
- States that used unconstitutional race-based criteria should redraw maps immediately if primaries or early voting permit.
- Hugh and President Trump suggested governors consider redistricting where 'too much race' was used, but timing varies by state.
Decision Removes Litigious Brake On Gerrymandering
- The ruling reduces litigation that Democrats used to challenge Republican partisan maps by repurposing Section 2 as a proxy for partisan claims.
- Sarah C. Bedford and Hugh argue long-term GOP benefits in the South and prospects for more aggressive Republican gerrymanders with algorithms.
