The Brian Lehrer Show Monday Morning Politics: The Coming 'Redistricting Wars'
May 4, 2026
Nick Corasaniti, a New York Times national politics reporter who covers voting, elections and redistricting. He explains how a new Supreme Court standard could spark widespread mid-decade redistricting fights. Discussion covers clashes between racial and partisan maps, immediate chaos in Louisiana primaries, and how states may move quickly to redraw districts.
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Intent Requirement Gut Section Two Protections
- The Supreme Court raised the legal standard for Section 2 Voting Rights Act claims by requiring proof of intent.
- Nick Corasaniti explains that adding intent makes racial gerrymandering suits much harder because plaintiffs previously relied on racial effects not raw documentary intent.
Two Guardrails Against Ruthless Gerrymanders Removed
- Removing federal partisan gerrymandering review and weakening Section 2 removes two major guardrails against aggressive mapmaking.
- Corasaniti notes states previously argued maps were purely partisan to avoid Section 2 problems, and now both constraints are diminished.
Louisiana Primary Tossed Days Before Early Voting
- Louisiana's congressional primary was tossed 48 hours before early voting after the court struck its maps, forcing Governor Landry to postpone only House races.
- Corasaniti recounts ballots, including military and absentee votes, were already cast creating confusion and legal challenges.