The Republican challenges of the new Pennsylvania congressional district map have been rejected by federal District Court and the U.S. Supreme Court one day before congressional candidates filed their nominating petitions, write Jonathan Lai & Liz Navratil for Philly.com.

Republicans were asking to block the new map from going into effect for the primary that will be held on May 15.

The new map, which improves Democrats’ chances of winning seats in an important swing state, already has more people expressing interest in running. It also has some veteran politicians rethinking their chances.

While the decisions disappointed Republicans, Democrats were delighted by the result.

“For anyone who cares about democracy, for anyone who cares that every voter’s voice should be heard, this is a great day,” said Mimi McKenzie, legal director of the Public Interest Law Center.

Top Republicans in Pennsylvania House and Senate also see this as the end of the road.

“I’m sure we’ll review options, but I think we’re accepting the decision,” said Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman. “We don’t like it, but that’s life.”

Read more about the decisions at Philly.com here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of congressional map here.
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