A major victory for Republicans in the dispute over US electoral districts

In the struggle for a future majority in the US House of Representatives, Republicans achieved an interim victory in the state of Georgia. A federal judge today approved a redistricting plan approved by the Republican-majority territorial legislature, dismissing a lawsuit brought by Democrats and voting rights groups.

In light of the expected majorities in the districts, Republicans are likely to once again represent nine of Georgia's 14 representatives in the House elections in November of next year. Because of the narrow majority in the House of Representatives, the conflict in Georgia is of national importance.

Small shifts can change the balance of power

Republicans currently control the House of Representatives with 221 seats, while Democrats hold 213 seats. Even if only five states are postponed, the majority could be reversed. The conflict in Georgia is one of several conflicts in about six states.

Disagreements regularly arise over the question of whether, among other things, the black population is adequately taken into account when gerrymandering electoral districts.