BREAKING: Court stops Congressional candidate filing pending gerrymandering litigation

A North Carolina court has enjoined Congressional candidate filing — set to begin in just over a week — pending ongoing partisan gerrymandering litigation.

Lawmakers enacted a new Congressional map last week after the court ruled plaintiffs in Harper v. Lewis were likely to prevail on their partisan gerrymandering challenge of the prior districts. A three-judge panel didn’t order the General Assembly to draw new maps, but it did encourage them to start a remedial process if there was a chance of the candidate filing deadlines to remain (Dec. 2 through 20).

The plaintiffs objected to the map lawmakers enacted — primarily because they claim it is still gerrymandered. The remedial redistricting process they underwent also received sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and fair map proponents.

Wednesday’s order cites several reasons for stopping candidate filing and states the panel will hear all pending litigation in Harper at 9 a.m. Dec. 2.

“In light of the recent developments in this litigation, including the enactment of S.L. 2019-249, Legislative Defendants’ motion for summary judgment, and Plaintiffs’ motion for the Court’s review of S.L. 2019-249, and to allow the Court sufficient opportunity to fully consider the significant issues presented by the parties, the Court will enjoin the filing period for the 2020 congressional primary elections in North Carolina until further order of the Court,” the court order states.

Read the full document below.