TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

NAACP, State Trade Arguments in Redistricting Hearing

Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on May 22, 2026

A three-judge panel of state judges heard arguments Thursday morning from the NAACP and the state of Tennessee in one of several challenges to a new map that splits up the Memphis congressional district. The court adjourned without issuing a final ruling. Arguments centered on standing to bring suit and the meaning of the word “facilitate” in the governor’s proclamation calling for the special legislative session. On the later point, the NAACP argued that state lawmakers made the election more difficult and more confusing, thus not “facilitating” it. The state argued that the legislature fulfilled the governor’s directive because the changes “served the purpose of holding this year’s votes.” The Nashville Post takes a closer look at the arguments and questions posed by the judges. In related news, federal Judge William L. Campbell yesterday issued a memorandum explaining his reasons for denying a temporary restraining order in another challenge brought by voters and congressional candidates. Campbell did not completely dismiss the plaintiffs’ arguments or the possibility that they might eventually win in court but ruled that they had not demonstrated a sufficient likelihood of success.

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