Republican legislators returned to Raleigh on Wednesday to begin work on a measure that would further delay the primary election.

If passed and signed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, the bill would push the May 17 primary to June 7. The effort comes in response to concerns that the state Supreme Court may strike down redistricting plans.  

The primary had been set for March 8, but justices delayed it until May pending a decision on litigation challenging legislative and congressional maps approved in November. Oral arguments are scheduled for Feb. 2.