Supreme Court Considers Racial Gerrymandering in Louisiana's Congressional Map Case
The Supreme Court is reviewing Louisiana's congressional map, which features two majority-Black districts. The ruling may significantly affect the 2026 midterm elections.
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Ultimately, if Louisiana’s maps are struck down, one of the biggest losers will be the fairly basic proposition that the law should operate in a predictable way.
The Supreme Court appears determined to blow up its one good Voting Rights Act decision
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The case has major implications for the Republicans’ House majority.
Supreme Court questions race’s role in redistricting in Louisiana map fight
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Louisiana's congressional map has twice been challenged in federal court since it was updated in the wake of the 2020 census, which found that the state's Black residents now totaled one-third of Louisiana's total population.
Supreme Court hears pivotal Louisiana election map case ahead of 2026 midterms
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The layout of Louisiana's congressional districts could have potential implications for the 2026 midterm elections.
Supreme Court grapples with role of race in Louisiana election map dispute
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A ruling in favor of the non-African American voters who challenged the districts could further chip away at the Voting Rights Act by making it nearly impossible for lawmakers to draw districts that comply with the landmark civil rights law.
Voting rights saga over race-based redistricting comes to US supreme court
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The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority that is often receptive to conservative claims that the Constitution is "colorblind," meaning no consideration of race can ever be lawful even if it is aimed at remedying past discrimination.
Supreme Court hears Louisiana racial gerrymandering claim
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The case, Louisiana v. Callais, tees up a series of important questions that deal with race and redistricting.
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Summary
The Supreme Court is deliberating on whether Louisiana's congressional map, which includes two majority-Black districts, is constitutional or amounts to racial gerrymandering. The map was formed in response to previous court rulings that found a single majority-Black district violated the Voting Rights Act by disenfranchising minority voters. The court's ruling could impact the balance of power in Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms, with significant implications for the Republican majority. Justices have expressed skepticism about the necessity of a second majority-Black district and the role of race in redistricting, potentially reshaping future Apportionment rules nationwide.
Perspectives
The Supreme Court is addressing Louisiana's congressional map, balancing civil rights concerns and constitutional mandates regarding race in districting, particularly as it relates to the Voting Rights Act and equal protection clauses.
Louisiana's map currently includes two majority Black districts, arising from a legal battle over compliance with the Voting Rights Act versus the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, which continues to be contested in court.
The state is advocating for a resolution that limits the judiciary's role in redistricting due to the ongoing complexities and financial burdens imposed by frequent litigation.
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