In a blow to Colorado Republicans that could affect election outcomes for the next decade, a district judge has ruled in favor of a Democratic map that redraws congressional district lines.

In his ruling issued late today, Denver District Judge Robert Hyatt said the “Moreno/South” Democratic map submitted at trial “most accurately reflected and preserved current communities of interest in 2011.

“It appears clear to this court that the Moreno approach to redistricting Colorado will also produce the maximum amount of competition of any of the realistically proffered maps in at least three districts — the 3rd, the 6th and the 7th,” Hyatt wrote in his ruling. “Each of those districts contains significant Latino populations, giving that group a major role in the decision about who will represent them in Congress.

“Thus, not only does the Moreno mapping approach reflect Colorado’s current communities of interest, it holds the real possibility that voters will be as engaged in the electoral process as possible. This is beneficial.”

Republicans can appeal the ruling directly to the Colorado Supreme Court, and a final ruling would be expected before Dec. 15 to allow county clerks enough time to redraw precincts. State GOP officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Academy School District 20 Board of Education on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011. Photo by KRISTINA IODICE/The Gazette