The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a challenge to North Dakota’s state legislative district map, created in 2021 after the 2020 census to address what officials said was an imbalance in representation for minority Native Americans in the area.

Two non-Native American challengers contested the state having subdivided two state house districts, claiming it was a racial gerrymander in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.

The state redrew the districts to address tribal representation, with subdistrict 4A following the boundary of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation reservation — and which has a Native American voter majority — and subdistrict 9A including the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians reservation.

Voting rights advocates said it was a victory for minority representation.

“Today’s decision is a win for democracy,” said Bruce Spiva, senior vice president at Campaign Legal Center.

“The MHA Nation and other Tribal Nations in North Dakota have overcome countless obstacles to have an equal voice and ensure that our democracy is accountable and inclusive,” he said. “We applaud the court’s ruling and celebrate the continued steps forward for Native American voting rights in North Dakota.”

It would have taken four justices to vote in favor of taking up the dispute.

• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.