All posts by Rick Hasen

Missouri: “Kehoe calls lawmakers to redraw congressional map, make it harder to amend constitution”

August 29, 2025, 3:33 pmdirect democracy, redistrictingRick Hasen

St. Louis Post Dispatch: After weeks of internal talks and a pressure campaign by President Donald Trump, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Friday called lawmakers into a special session beginning next week to redraw the state’s congressional maps. With a… Continue reading

“Lawsuit challenges new proof of citizenship requirement at Ohio BMV for voter registration”

August 29, 2025, 12:32 pmUncategorizedRick Hasen

Ohio Journal: The women’s political organization Red Wine and Blue has sued Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose over changes to the voter registration process at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Thanks to the federal “motor voter” law, car… Continue reading

“Abbott Signs Gerrymandered Map as Texas G.O.P. Moves Further Right”

August 29, 2025, 11:23 amredistrictingRick Hasen

NYT: Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas signed into law on Friday a newly gerrymandered map for Texas’ U.S. House districts, openly declaring that the state’s congressional delegation would soon be more Republican. The redistricting push has triggered a scramble in… Continue reading

“A conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice won’t run again, creating an open seat”

August 29, 2025, 11:16 amjudicial electionsRick Hasen

Scott Bauer for AP: A conservative justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said Friday that she will not seek reelection, creating an open race for a seat on the court that’s controlled 4-3 by liberals. Justice Rebecca Bradley’s decision not… Continue reading

“Trump and Democrats Float Unusual Midterm Conventions”

August 29, 2025, 7:31 ampolitical partiesRick Hasen

NYT: President Trump suggested on Thursday that the Republican Party should host an unusual national convention ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It… Continue reading

“Emil Bove Continued to Work at Justice Dept. After Judicial Confirmation”

August 29, 2025, 7:29 amconflict of interest laws, Department of JusticeRick Hasen

NYT: Emil Bove III, a senior Trump administration official, was narrowly confirmed last month to serve as an appeals court judge, brushing past a bitter confirmation fight despite concerns that he would carry out the president’s directives while on the… Continue reading

“Utah to proceed with redrawing map that could help Dems, despite pressure from Trump”

August 29, 2025, 7:27 amredistrictingRick Hasen

WaPo: Republican leaders of the Utah Legislature said Thursday they would follow a court order to redraw the state’s congressional map — which could help Democrats — even as President Donald Trump pressures them to shut the opposition party out.… Continue reading

With Louisiana Essentially Flipping Sides in Callais Case Before Supreme Court and Arguing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is Unconstitutional, Full Defense Shifts to Voting Rights Groups

August 28, 2025, 7:50 amSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

As noted yesterday, Louisiana essentially flipped sides in the Lousiana v. Callais case. In an earlier brief, Louisiana argued that its congressional districts were not a racial gerrymander because politics, rather than race, predominated in drawing district lines. Now… Continue reading

“Trump attacks Utah’s anti-gerrymandering ruling”

August 28, 2025, 7:37 amUncategorizedRick Hasen

Axios: President Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon to attack a Utah court ruling that ordered new congressional maps pursuant to an anti-gerrymandering lawsuit. What they’re saying: Trump claimed Monday’s order by state judge Dianna Gibson is “absolutely” unconstitutional.… Continue reading

“Louisiana urges Supreme Court to bar use of race in redistricting, in attack on Voting Rights Act”

August 27, 2025, 3:22 pmSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

Mark Sherman for the AP: Louisiana on Wednesday abandoned its defense of a political map that elected two Black members of Congress and instead called on the Supreme Court to reject any consideration of race in redistricting in a case… Continue reading

California Supreme Court, Over No Noted Dissents, Will Allow Special Election over California Redistricting to Go Forward; There Will Likely Be Post Election Challenges to the Redistricting If the Measure Passes

August 27, 2025, 1:26 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

Details via At the Lectern.

“Fresh off Texas Senate’s approval, new congressional map is target of lawsuits”

August 27, 2025, 7:49 amredistrictingRick Hasen

Texas Tribune: Hours after the Texas Senate approved a new congressional map early Saturday morning that more heavily favors Republicans — legislation Gov. Greg Abbott plans to “swiftly” sign into law — a lawsuit against the governor was filed, alleging… Continue reading

“Justice Dept. Broadens Inquiry Into Key Players in Russia Investigation”

August 27, 2025, 7:45 amauthoritarian threats in US, chicanery, Department of JusticeRick Hasen

NYT: Pursuing a theory promoted by Trump loyalists, the Justice Department is investigating whether F.B.I. officials during and after the Biden administration tried to hide or secretly destroy documents that might cast doubt on the earlier inquiry into Russia’s attempt… Continue reading

“Silicon Valley Pledges $200 Million to New Pro-A.I. Super PACs”

August 27, 2025, 7:44 amcampaign financeRick Hasen

NYT: Silicon Valley corporations and investors, emboldened by President Trump’s embrace of the technology and crypto industries, have pledged up to $200 million to two new super PACs that are aimed at forcing out politicians whom they see as insufficiently… Continue reading

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