The Supreme Court affirmed a state House district located on an American Indian reservation in North Dakota on Monday, dismissing a challenge set forth by local Republican officials.

Previously, a three-judge panel had ruled against the Republicans’ lawsuit, stating that the creation of the district was justified to enhance the ability of Native Americans to elect representatives of their choosing, in accordance with the federal Voting Rights Act.

The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation supported the justices in maintaining the district’s status.

In an unrelated matter, a federal appeals court is currently evaluating a ruling from a lower court that mandated the establishment of a new joint legislative district in North Dakota for two other tribes. These tribes contended that the redistricting plan introduced by lawmakers in 2021 weakened their electoral power. The new district was utilized during the 2024 elections.