Tennessee Senate redistricting map thrown out by court, but dissenting opinion opens the door for an appeal

The state Senate’s redistricting map has been thrown out by the Tennessee Chancery Court in a 2-1 decision. However, the single dissent gives Republican Senators a shot at setting a precedent for future map challenges.

The dissenting opinion from Judge Steven Maroney (found on page 37) argues that Francine Hunt, the plaintiff in the case against state officials, does not have the ability to bring the case forward.

Although Hunt is a Davidson County resident that resides in District 17, Maroney states that she does not have standing because she has not demonstrated that she is directly impacted by the maps.

His opinion has left many scratching their heads, wondering why a Tennessee resident wouldn’t have standing and asking who would have standing.

If the decision is successfully appealed by the Senate, it could set a new precedent for who is allowed to challenge future redistricting maps.