The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 18, 2026
The Hail Mary stay application by Virginia Democrats to save their congressional redistricting referendum was rejected by U.S. Supreme Court May 15th. The same day, the first challenge to Florida’s map tilting four more seats to the GOP was heard.
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts unsurprisingly rejected the State’s request for a stay of Virginia’s supreme court decision. The state supreme court had invalidated the referendum for not having passed the legislature in two separate terms before voter approval. It ends the attempt by Virginia Democrats to gerrymander four additional blue-leaning seats to counter GOP gerrymandering in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida requested by President Donald Trump.
Also on May 15th, the first of multiple lawsuits challenging Florida’s new congressional map, drawn by the office of Governor Ron DeSantis and passed by Florida’s GOP-majority legislature, reached a Tallahassee courtroom. Equal Ground Education Fund and several voters argue the districts violate the Florida Fair Districts amendment passed by voters in 2010. The governor, legislature, and conservative state courts have not enforced the amendment, which led to widespread partisan and racial gerry mandering. Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and other pro-voter groups also have suits pending.
Decisions are expected shortly.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
States Newroom – Supreme Court rejects Virginia Democrats’ bid to salvage redistricting plan
U.S. Supreme Court – On Emergency Application to the Supreme Court of Virginia
U.S. Supreme Court – “Application (25A1240) for stay presented to The Chief Justice and by him referred to the Court is denied.”
Florida 2nd Judicial Court (via Democracy Docket) – Complaint from Equal Ground Education Fund & Voters
League of Women Voters – Voting Rights Groups Sue to Stop Florida Congressional Map
Florida 2nd Judicial Court – Common Cause/League of Women Voters Challenge to Congressional Map
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – VA Supreme Court Invalidates Redistricting Referendum for Not Following the Rules for Amendments. It Could Tilt Control of Congress.
American Democracy Minute – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Redistricting Bill with Four More GOP Seats; Illinois and New York Contemplate a Response
Groups Taking Action:
Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause, Equal Ground
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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