Story perspectives

Supreme Court Narrows VRA, Blocks Louisiana Racial Gerrymander

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Court 6-3 ruling narrows Voting Rights Act, allowing race in redistricting with proof of intentional discrimination, and strikes down Louisiana’s 2024 congressional map as a racial gerrymander.
Justice Samuel Alito said challengers must show intentional racial discrimination and propose a map meeting goals.
The ruling, issued before Louisiana’s May 16 primary, prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to call it a result and Attorney General Liz Murrill to praise its clarification of race.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 the Supreme Court, in Shaw v. Reno, struck down North Carolina’s snake-shaped 12th district—60% Black—by a 5-4 vote, establishing strict scrutiny for racial gerrymanders. The Court’s 2024 6-3 ruling overturning Louisiana’s map revived that burden, requiring plaintiffs to prove intentional discrimination, and signals that states must redesign districts before upcoming primaries.

1 of 2

Story summary

Court 6-3 ruling narrows Voting Rights Act, allowing race in redistricting with proof of intentional discrimination, and strikes down Louisiana’s 2024 congressional map as a racial gerrymander.
Justice Samuel Alito said challengers must show intentional racial discrimination and propose a map meeting goals.
The ruling, issued before Louisiana’s May 16 primary, prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to call it a result and Attorney General Liz Murrill to praise its clarification of race.

1 / 2