A map of the legislative districts that were changed in 2024. This map could be changed back to districts similar to the 2022 maps.
By Alison McCaffree, Democracy Issue Chair, LWV of Washington
As of the morning of June 9, Washington state residents await a United States Supreme Court decision that could mean another change in legislative districts. A decision on a writ of certiorari, (Latin meaning “send us the files”) was due June 2.
The case, and the current legislative map, was the subject of the lawsuit Soto Palmer v Hobbs that was settled in August 2024. Opponent’s petition to the Supreme Court came after the Ninth Circuit upheld the maps in August 2026. On May 26, 2026, a federal judge denied opponent’s request to re-open the case in light of the recent Louisiana v Callais decision. The district judge said wait for the SCOTUS decision on cert.
A brief from the original plaintiffs (Soto Palmer, et al.) laid out the reasons that the opponents should not be able to file this claim. They emphasize that remedy maps were not created predominantly on race. They conclude that cert should be denied.
Lawyers for Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs sent in a brief reminding the court that Washington state did not appeal the Ninth court decision and believes that the case should be sent back to the Ninth Circuit to take up the case again in the light of the conclusions in Louisiana v Callais.
There are three possible outcomes:
- SCOTUS denies cert and affirms the lower court ruling.
This would be the best outcome for voters and would result in less chaos. The maps would stand for 2026 – 2030, until the 2030 Census numbers trigger the next round of map drawing in January 2031. Given the tenor of the court, this outcome is unlikely.
- SCOTUS denies cert and sends to Ninth Circuit to reconsider.
This reconsider process will take time. It would most likely leave the maps for this year’s elections but opens the possibility of changing maps before 2028 or 2030. Given that Washington state is recommending this action, this is the most likely outcome; but no one knows for sure.
- SCOTUS takes up the case.
If the US Supreme Court decides to take the Soto Palmer case, it would have the first opportunity to do so when it reconvenes its next session between October 2026 and June 2027. This would also create the possibility of new maps before 2028 or 2030.
Whatever the decision, the uncertainty created is not good governance. The LWVWA supports a new type of redistricting commission that would put people first and minimize the chances of these types of lawsuits. Find more information on our redistricting webpage.
