Today, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson released the following statement on the decision to dismiss challenges to partisanly gerrymandered maps:

“I am disappointed by the three-judge panel’s decision to uphold the partisanly gerrymandered maps. The evidence presented demonstrates that Republicans lied to their colleagues when they promised a fair and transparent redistricting process. They cheated by using secret maps and closed door strategy sessions, then destroyed the maps they used. They are trying to steal seats through illegal partisan gerrymandering and are choosing to proceed with costly litigation that hardworking taxpayers will pay for.

“Throughout this process, I have said that voters ought to be able to select the individuals that represent them, not the other way around. This is not the end of the fight for fair and transparent maps that reflect the diversity of our state.”