Federal court challenge to state legislative districts based on alleged violations of the Voting Rights Act and an unconstitutionally unjustified predominant use of race.

On Aug. 29, 2023, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, and granted the state commission’s cross-motion in part, dismissing challenges against several districts on procedural grounds or for insufficient evidence.

On Dec. 21, 2023, the court struck down several state legislative districts in the Detroit metro area because of their unjustified predominant reliance on race; on May 7, 2024, the state’s independent commission voluntarily dismissed its appeal of that decision.

The state’s independent commission submitted new state House remedial plans on Mar. 1, 2024, approved by the court on Mar. 27, 2024.  The commission submitted state Senate remedial plans on June 27, 2024, approved by the court on July 26, 2024 (Senate seats are not up for election until 2026).