‘A really really big decision’: The court cases looming over the midterms

Politico

by By Andrew Howard

February 24, 2026

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The 2026 midterm elections are shaping up to be a battleground for high-stakes legal battles over redistricting, with nearly a dozen states facing court cases that could determine the House majority. As the November election approaches, political and legal tensions are rising, particularly around Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which is under scrutiny in the Supreme Court case *Louisiana v. Callais*. This case could upend decades of legal precedent, potentially allowing Southern states to redraw districts in ways that disadvantage minority voters and shift seats toward Republican control. In key battleground states like Missouri, Florida, and Utah, lawsuits and ballot measures are already challenging redistricting efforts. For instance, Florida Democrats are suing Governor Ron DeSantis over his planned April redistricting, while Missouri faces multiple legal challenges to halt GOP-led map changes. In New York and Wisconsin, ongoing cases could also reshape congressional districts, adding further uncertainty for voters and election officials. The stakes are particularly high in Louisiana v. Callais, where the Supreme Court’s decision could fundamentally alter district maps across the country. If Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is interpreted more narrowly, Southern states might redraw districts to favor Republican candidates, potentially flipping over a dozen Democratic-held seats. While many legal experts predict a ruling later this year, the timing remains uncertain, leaving states like Virginia and Maryland bracing for rapid redistricting if the Court rules sooner. These legal fights are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend where political conflicts from 2025 have shifted to courtrooms. Organizations like the National Democratic Redistricting Committee are navigating both political campaigns and legal challenges, with little clarity on final district lines as voters prepare for primaries. This uncertainty underscores how intertwined politics and law have become in shaping election outcomes. Ultimately, the outcome of these cases could reshape the political landscape for years to come, making redistricting a critical issue for anyone following U.S. elections. With high stakes and fast-moving developments, the legal battles over maps

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Originally published on Politico on 2/24/2026