Opinion: Tennessee law — not federal lawsuits — may stymie redistricting
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., of Memphis, sits on the Capitol steps before a special session of the state legislature to redraw U.S. Congressional voting maps Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Nashville. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)
Jack Richbourg
Jack Richbourg is a retired lawyer with 48 years of experience. He is now a lay preacher at the First Presbyterian Church of Somerville, Tennessee. He is a freelance writer and the author of two books. He has a BA from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and a Juris Doctor from Memphis State University.
“The speed and confidence with which the legislature acted on redistricting does not guarantee the map’s durability. This time, state courts – not federal courts – may have the final word.”
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