The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether Louisiana lawmakers can use race as a factor when drawing congressional maps, sparking a nationwide impact for the 2026 midterms. The state’s map has faced challenges under the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. The court is expected to make a decision by late June.
During oral arguments, justices focused on whether the map meets constitutional requirements and if race was used unlawfully. Louisiana Solicitor General argued the map protected political stability. The state’s map has faced federal court challenges twice since the 2020 census, with the first invalidated for diluting Black voting power. A new map was adopted in 2024, but faced challenges for allegedly relying too heavily on race to draw the maps.
The high court paused consideration of the arguments until after the 2024 elections and agreed to take up the case in November. Louisiana officials argue non-Black voters failed to show harm required for equal protection claims and that the court should clarify conflicting demands of the Voting Rights Act and equal protections. They expressed frustrations over repeatedly redrawing maps and asked the court to put an end to the waste of time and resources. The decision could have implications for how states proceed in redistricting cycles.
The case, Louisiana v. Callais, is closely watched by Black voters and civil rights advocates calling for a fair congressional map. The Supreme Court’s decision will be eagerly anticipated by all parties involved.
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