The Supreme Court’s decision to allow Louisiana to use a congressional map that includes a second district where the majority of voters are Black for the 2024 elections has sparked a heated legal battle. The map, crafted by the GOP-led legislature after federal courts rejected an initial map for likely violating the Voting Rights Act, has been a point of contention.
Democrats see this decision as a victory, as it is likely to result in them picking up another seat in Louisiana. The long-running legal battle over the state’s House district boundaries has been ongoing since the 2020 Census kicked off the redistricting process.
The new map includes two majority-Black districts, a change from the initial plan that consisted of five majority-White districts and one majority-Black district, despite the state’s Black population being around one-third. Challenges to the new map have been raised, with some claiming it is a racial gerrymander in violation of the Equal Protection Clause.
The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the new map to be used in upcoming elections has divided opinions, with some arguing it is necessary to comply with the Voting Rights Act, while others see it as unconstitutional. The legal battle continues as the state prepares for the 2024 elections amidst uncertainty and conflicting court orders.
