“Confirmed Judges, Confirmed Fears” is a blog series documenting the harmful impact of President Trump’s judges on Americans’ rights and liberties. It includes judges nominated in both his first and second terms.
What’s at stake in this case?
Civil rights groups and others contend that North Carolina redistricting is discriminatory against blacks and Hispanics..
What happened in this case?
In 2023, North Carolina drew new congressional maps which the NAACP and others contended were discriminatory and violated the Voting Rights Act and the constitution. The plan allegedly aims to flip the 1st congressional district, which Democrats narrowly won in the last election, and dilute black voting strength. The NAACP filed suit against the government. The three-judge court panel included Trump Judges Allison Rushing of the Fourth Circuit and district court judge Richard Myers of North Carolina as well as district court judge George W Bush Judge Thomas Schroeder also from North Carolina nominated by George W Bush.
What did Trump judges Rushing and Myers decide?
After a six-week trial on a motion for a preliminary injunction, Trump judges Rushing and Myers rejected the discrimination claim and upheld the new districts, ruling that they were not discriminatory. Judge Schroeder concurred in the November decision of Williams v Representative Destin Hall.
Why is the result harmful?
The ruling by Trump judges Rushing and Myers plus Reagan judge Schroeder will likely ensure yet another Republican seat in Congress and weaken the voting power of minorities in North Carolina. In addition, as Common Cause director Bob Phillips pointed out, the decision upholds “the most gerrymandered map in state history” and “intentionally retaliates” against voters for “supporting a candidate not preferred by the Majority party.” In addition, the decision illustrates the importance of our federal courts to health, welfare and justice and the significance of having fair-minded judges on the federal bench.