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.  That decision has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The court ordered initial state House remedial plans by Feb. 2, 2024, with public hearings thereafter.  Senate seats are not up for election until 2026 (the court declined to order special elections), and so remedial maps for Senate districts will follow.