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Supreme Court Destroys Louisiana “Snake” District, Nullifies VRA Section 2

4/29/2026

41 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chief Justice John Roberts described the district as a “snake” linking four cities as the Court struck it down on April 29, 2026, in a 6-3 decision.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote majority opinion while Justice Elena Kagan dissented, warning decision nullifies Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called ruling seismic while saying state will work with Governor Ron DeSantis and legislature to draw a map.

History

Historical Context

After the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court’s 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision—authored by Chief Justice John Roberts and joined by Antonin Scalia—invalidated Section 4(b), ending federal preclearance and prompting the closure of nearly 1,000 polling places within five years. Subsequent rulings, such as the 2023 Allen v. Milligan majority with Roberts, show the Court’s continued reshaping of Section 2 protections.

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Story summary

Chief Justice John Roberts described the district as a “snake” linking four cities as the Court struck it down on April 29, 2026, in a 6-3 decision.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote majority opinion while Justice Elena Kagan dissented, warning decision nullifies Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called ruling seismic while saying state will work with Governor Ron DeSantis and legislature to draw a map.

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