The Supreme Court's conservative majority ruled that race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing congressional districts, slashing a key Voting Rights Act protection and immediately triggering a wave of redistricting in Republican-led states. This decision, which took effect with unusual speed, has initiated a frantic, partisan scramble to redraw U.S. House maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with control of the narrowly divided chamber at stake. Louisiana, whose map was originally invalidated, is the initial battleground, as its GOP-led legislature moves to potentially eliminate Democratic-held, Black-majority districts. Similar special sessions are underway or planned in Alabama and Tennessee, while Florida's governor has already signed a new map adding Republican-leaning seats. Counter-moves are also occurring in Democratic-controlled states like California and Virginia to create more favorable districts.