SCOTUS rules 5-4 in Rucho v. Common Cause federal courts cannot hear partisan gerrymandering claims

The Supreme Court rules 5-4 in Rucho v. Common Cause (consolidated with Lamone v. Benisek) that partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond federal court jurisdiction. Chief Justice John Roberts writes for the majority, closing the federal courthouse door to challenges against maps drawn for partisan advantage. Justice Elena Kagan's dissent, joined by three liberals, calls the ruling a "tragedy for democracy." The ruling leaves partisan gerrymandering regulation entirely to state courts and legislatures, while racial gerrymandering challenges remain available in federal court.