The U.S. Supreme Court’s surprise decision that could pave the way for a second majority-Black U.S. House district in Alabama may also bolster a legal challenge seeking to redraw the political boundaries in Georgia, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The court was expected by some experts to weaken the Voting Rights Act, but instead its 5-4 ruling Thursday found Alabama’s GOP-controlled Legislature likely violated the law when it drew a map with one majority-Black seat out of seven congressional districts.

The ruling will be considered in ongoing lawsuits over Georgia’s redistricting, which resulted in Republicans gaining a U.S. House seat in last year’s elections.

GNN/AJC