RALEIGH - A three-judge panel has upheld the boundaries for legislative and congressional districts that were drawn by Republicans in 2011. The Superior Court judges ruled unanimously in favor of the GOP by letting the boundaries stand.

Critics had argued that the districts were gerrymandered to reduce the influence of black voters.

William Peace University political science professor Dr. David McLennan says it's unlikely the North Carolina Supreme Court would reverse the ruling. "It’s a very difficult case just generally but with the composition of the North Carolina Supreme Court, I don’t see any different ruling coming out of the North Carolina Supreme Court.”

McLennan says Democrats will have to regain power if they want districts that favor them. "I think if the Democrats are going to see any kind of hope down the road, they’re going to have to get to a position where they’re in control in 2020 just like the Republicans were in control in 2010.”

He says non-partisan redistricting process might be a better solution, but it will be tough to get through the General Assembly.