Louisiana Republicans Seek Supreme Court Intervention in Redistricting Dispute

Republican officials in Louisiana have urgently requested the Supreme Court to intervene in a long-standing conflict over the state's congressional districts. This entreaty comes after a panel of lower court judges ruled last month that the upcoming elections cannot proceed under a recently adopted map, which incorporated a second majority-Black district.

Unconstitutional Racial Gerrymander

The redistricting plan endorsed by Louisiana's GOP-led legislature in January was deemed an unconstitutional racial gerrymander by the three-judge panel. This redistricting plan was enacted to establish the lines for the state's six congressional districts after a federal district court judge ordered the creation of a second majority-Black district to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Legal Challenge and Court Decision

A group of 12 voters challenged the new plan, asserting that the state drew the district boundaries primarily based on race, resulting in explicit racial segregation of voters. The three-judge district court panel ruled in favor of the voters and blocked the latest GOP-drawn congressional map from being used in any election, citing its unconstitutional nature.

A group of Black voters and civil rights organizations have also urged the Supreme Court to intervene, and Louisiana officials followed suit with their request on Friday. Both groups have asked the justices to halt the panel's injunction and remedial proceedings by May 15.

Looming Election Chaos

In their filing with the Supreme Court, GOP state lawyers emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing concern that Louisiana is left without district lines just five days before the secretary of state needs to begin implementing a congressional map for the 2024 elections. They cautioned that the upcoming elections in Louisiana could be plagued by confusion and chaos due to conflicting court orders.

Political Goals and Supreme Court Action

The GOP officials highlighted that the congressional map with two majority-Black districts aimed to achieve political goals, such as protecting incumbent Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and GOP Rep. Julia Letlow. They also urged the Supreme Court to take up the case in its next term, emphasizing the importance of addressing the redistricting-related litigation to ensure smooth elections in 2026.

Significance of Supreme Court Decision

If the Supreme Court agrees to consider the merits of the dispute, it could lead to a significant decision involving Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and how race is utilized during the redistricting process. Moreover, an order allowing Louisiana to use the latest redrawn map could have implications for the November congressional elections, impacting the balance of power in the House.