But Campbell said the challengers failed to demonstrate a strong likelihood of success at this stage of the litigation.
“While Plaintiffs may ultimately show discrimination was a motivating factor,” the judge wrote, “the Court cannot say that their likelihood of success on this claim is substantial.”
The judge also rejected arguments that the redistricting amounted to unconstitutional retaliation against Black voters.
Campbell warned the court was “unwilling to reach” a conclusion suggesting that partisan political actions directed at opposing voters automatically constitute First Amendment retaliation, saying such a ruling could have sweeping consequences far beyond the Tennessee case.
