Adam Wagner

For NPR News, I'm Adam Wagner in Raleigh.

Republican legislators in North Carolina drew the new map to give their party a clear advantage in 11 of the state's 14 congressional races.

The North Carolina NAACP and voting rights group Common Cause are among those challenging the new map.

They asked the court to prevent it from being used next year because, they say,

It dilutes the power of black voters in the region.

Legislators have said repeatedly their focus was gaining the maximum possible advantage for Republicans amid a national race to secure safe seats.

In Wednesday's ruling, the three-judge panel said plaintiffs failed to prove that the maps intentionally discriminate against black voters by diluting their power.

Candidate filing starts Monday.

For NPR News, I'm Adam Wagner in Raleigh.

You claim that racial data was not used.

You didn't need to use racial data because every single member of this body knows about the black population in the northeastern part of this state.

Republicans want to redraw the map to secure one more U.S.

House seat for their party.

State Speaker of the House Destin Hall and Senate Leader Phil Berger both say they are acting in response to California's upcoming referendum on new districts.

Where California's plan would net five seats for Democrats, Texas' is intended to add five Republican seats.

A new Missouri map also aims to add a GOP seat.

Republicans safely hold 10 of North Carolina's 14 House districts, while Democrats hold three.

Democrat Don Davis sits in the state's lone swing district.

North Carolina lawmakers are expected to consider the new map next week.

For NPR News, I'm Adam Wagner in Raleigh.