The three-judge panel in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina has declined to stay its ruling in the redistricting case, and because a primary election is already under way, the State of North Carolina filed a petition for an emergency stay late Tuesday with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) and Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett), Chairmen of the Senate and House Redistricting Committees, issued the following statement:

“We are disappointed in the federal trial court’s decision because there is so much uncertainty on whether the primary election already under way can continue or whether a new primary election needs to take place – and whether votes that have already been cast can be counted. We hope the U.S. Supreme Court will recognize the urgency and gravity of these questions and issue a stay.”