Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Congressional Map Favoring Republicans

AI Summary

Louisiana legislators passed a new congressional map on May 30, 2026 that eliminates one majority‑Black district and is designed to give Republicans a fifth House seat. The plan follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the previous map as an illegal racial gerrymander, prompting fresh legal challenges and a shift in the state’s primary election schedule.

Louisiana lawmakers approved a new congressional map on May 30, 2026 that eliminates one of the state’s two majority‑Black districts and is designed to give Republicans a fifth House seat.

The Senate Passes a GOP‑Targeted Congressional Map

Vote: 28‑to‑10 in the state Senate.
Current delegation: Republicans hold four of six seats.
Goal: Secure a fifth seat by reshaping district boundaries.

Numbers Behind the New District Plan

Map removes one majority‑Black district represented by a Democrat.
District 2 is re‑drawn to concentrate more Democrats, improving Republican performance elsewhere.
Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the map.

Implications for Voting Rights and State Politics

The plan follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s April 30, 2026 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which struck down the previous map as an illegal racial gerrymander, weakening the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Democrats warn the new map could trigger further legal challenges and describe it as a “vicious race to the bottom.”

What Comes Next: Litigation and Election Timing

ACLU of Louisiana signals intent to sue.
Primary election moved from May 16 to November 3 and opened to all parties.
Additional lawsuits are expected as the map is implemented.

National Redistricting Battle Context

Southern states are using the weakened Voting Rights Act to redraw lines, with Republicans aiming to gain up to 15 seats nationwide, while Democrats project gains of six seats in other states.