(Richmond, Va.) (AP) — The Republican speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates has filed a formal appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to overturn a court ruling that found 11 House districts were unconstitutionally gerrymandered.
A federal court ruled in June that lawmakers illegally packed black voters into the 11 districts and ordered lawmakers to redraw them by Oct. 30.

Republicans say the districts are constitutional, and they filed noticed in July that they would appeal. House Speaker Kirk Cox’s appeal was filed Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Democrats have introduced a redistricting plan and say lawmakers should get to work.
The GOP, which narrowly controls the chamber, declined last week to take action on the Democrats’ proposal. It’s unclear when lawmakers will convene next.

House seats are up for election in 2019.