The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday granted relief to Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, reviving the boundaries of her New York City congressional district after a lower court blocked the map as racially discriminatory.

In an unsigned order, the high court reinstated the configuration of the Staten Island-based U.S. House district, which had been struck down in January by a state judge. The ruling allows the district lines to remain in place while litigation continues, providing a potential advantage to Republicans as they seek to defend their narrow House majority in November’s midterm elections.

Justice Samuel Alito wrote in support of the decision. The court’s three liberal justices dissented, arguing the majority was improperly inserting itself into election-law disputes nationwide as states prepare new congressional maps ahead of the 2026 cycle.

The legal fight began after Jeffrey Pearlman, a justice on the New York Supreme Court, ruled that the district’s configuration unlawfully diluted the voting power of Latino and Black residents. That decision prompted appeals by Malliotakis and members of the state Board of Elections.

The underlying lawsuit was brought by a group of Staten Island voters backed by attorney Marc Elias, a prominent figure in Democratic election litigation efforts.

Republicans currently hold a narrow 218–214 majority in the U.S. House, increasing the importance of individual swing districts such as Malliotakis’ seat. Party leaders have emphasized that maintaining control of both chambers is critical to advancing President Donald Trump’s legislative priorities and preventing potential Democratic-led investigations should control shift.

The dispute is part of a broader national battle over redistricting, the once-a-decade process of redrawing congressional boundaries. Both parties have sought court intervention in key states as they maneuver for electoral advantage.

In December, the Supreme Court revived a redrawn Texas congressional map aimed at flipping several Democratic-held seats to Republicans. In February, the justices permitted California to proceed with a revised map projected to benefit Democrats in multiple districts.

The latest ruling underscores the high stakes surrounding redistricting litigation, particularly in closely divided states where a single seat could influence control of Congress.