Tennessee Congressional Redistricting Challenge (Hale)

Hale et al v. Lee et al

Filed: May 7, 2026

A pro-voting lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s new gerrymandered map that dismantled the state’s lone majority-Black district in Memphis.

Background

Tennessee voters and candidates running in congressional districts 5, 6, and 9 filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the state’s new gerrymandered map that dismantled the state’s only majority-Black district, Memphis. Plaintiffs assert that the new map, election calendar, and rules will “wreak chaos,” cause voter confusion, and impede election officials from administering the midterm election in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Plaintiffs also argue the new map violates constitutional principles of the right to associate by breaking “already-formed associational bonds,” including “political organizing, volunteering, speaking, campaigning, and donating in support of a political candidate and the views which that candidate represents.” The lawsuit seeks to block the new gerrymandered map.

Why It Matters

The lawsuit comes after the Supreme Court’s decision to significantly weaken federal protections against racial vote dilution under the Voting Rights Act. Tennessee became one of the first states to pursue an aggressive mid-decade redistricting after the ruling, including efforts dismantling the state’s only Democratic-leaning and majority-Black congressional district based in Memphis.

Latest Updates

May 27, 2026: A three-judge panel has been assigned.
May 22, 2026: The court consolidated the case with Sherman, NAACP, and a pro se lawsuit.
May 14, 2026: The court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
May 12, 2026: Plaintiffs withdrew their motion for an expedited hearing.
May 11, 2026: Plaintiffs filed a motion for an expedite hearing.
May 10, 2026: Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint.
May 8, 2026: Plaintiffs filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
May 7, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.