High Court Ponders Louisiana's Racial Districting Controversy: Is It a Breach of Constitutional Rights?
The Supreme Court of the United States is set to delve into a significant case revolving around the constitutionality of Louisiana's congressional map, which created a second majority-Black district. The Court's decision could have far-reaching implications for protections of minority voters and the use of majority-minority districts across the nation.
The case originated from a challenge by non-African-American voters who claimed the map was racially gerrymandered unconstitutionally. In 2022, a lower three-judge panel invalidated the map, but the Supreme Court's decision to allow further briefing and argument suggests a possible shift in its approach to racial redistricting under the Voting Rights Act and constitutional amendments.
Justice Clarence Thomas dissented from the Court’s decision to re-hear arguments, emphasising that the Court should have resolved the case outright. The ongoing litigation thus represents a high-stakes legal test of the balance between preventing racial gerrymandering and protecting minority voting strength through districting.
The Supreme Court ordered new briefs in 2025 and postponed a final decision, keeping the current map intact for now. Reply briefs are due on October 3, before the beginning of the 2025 session. The state's map with two majority-Black districts will remain intact for now, but the Court's decision could significantly impact the balance of power in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections.
It is important to note that this isn't the first time Louisiana's redistricting has been before the Supreme Court. The high court has asked parties to file briefs on whether Louisiana's creation of a second majority-minority House seat violates the 14th or 15th Amendments. The map in question isn't the first crafted by Louisiana's Republican-led legislature after the 2020 Census.
Melissa Quinn, a politics reporter for ourNews.com, is closely following the case, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts. Quinn has previously worked at the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal, and Alexandria Times.
[1] Supreme Court to Hear Louisiana Redistricting Case [2] Justice Thomas Dissents as Supreme Court Orders Further Arguments on Louisiana Redistricting [3] Louisiana's Congressional Map Challenged as Racially Gerrymandered
[1] Education & Policy-and-Legislation section: The Supreme Court's decision to hear Louisiana's redistricting case could set a precedent for future districting and Voting Rights Act cases.
[2] General News & Politics: Justice Clarence Thomas, in a dissenting opinion, argues that the Court should resolve the Louisiana redistricting case outright, indicating differing views among justices.
[3] Politics & Elections: The challenge by non-African-American voters against Louisiana's congressional map could alter the balance of power in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections.
[4] General News & Politics: The Supreme Court's continued involvement in Louisiana's redistricting process highlights the importance of understanding how the composition of electoral districts can influence election outcomes.
