In a decision, the Supreme Court has ordered Louisiana to use a congressional map with a second mostly Black district for the 2024 elections, despite a lower court ruling that deemed the map an illegal racial gerrymander.
This move allows for two out of six congressional districts to have majority Black populations, potentially boosting Democrats’ chances of gaining control of the House of Representatives.
The justices acted on emergency appeals filed by Republican officials and Black voters, who sought to avoid confusion as elections approached.
Louisiana Ordered to Use Revised Congressional Map with Additional Majority Black District in 2024
The Supreme Court’s order does not address the lower court’s ruling that found the map relied too heavily on race. Instead, it prevents a new map from being drawn for this year’s elections, potentially paving the way for a later decision on the legality of the map.
The court’s three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson arguing that the lower court should have had the chance to produce a new map before the high court intervened.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill welcomed the order, stating that it ensures a stable election season. Meanwhile, a lawyer for Black voters praised the court’s action, noting that it allows for a map with two majority Black districts this fall. The case is part of a broader legal battle over racial gerrymandering and voting rights in Louisiana.
