Story perspectives

Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Map, Limits Voting Rights Act

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Court ruled 6-3 that Louisiana’s congressional map violated Protection Clause, limiting Voting Rights Act Section 2.
The Court issued the opinion on April 30, 2026, sparking speculation it aimed to affect primaries.
Justice Elena Kagan dissented, joined by Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, calling it a “gutting” of the Voting Rights Act.
Governor Jeff Landry will postpone primary as President Donald Trump praised the ruling for letting states redraw maps.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court struck down the Voting Rights Act’s coverage formula in Shelby County v. Holder on June 25 2013, preclearance became inoperable, allowing states such as Louisiana to redraw districts without federal review. Within five years, nearly 1,000 polling places closed, intensifying partisan gerrymandering and prompting renewed congressional pushes for a new voting-rights amendment.

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Story summary

The Court ruled 6-3 that Louisiana’s congressional map violated Protection Clause, limiting Voting Rights Act Section 2.
The Court issued the opinion on April 30, 2026, sparking speculation it aimed to affect primaries.
Justice Elena Kagan dissented, joined by Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, calling it a “gutting” of the Voting Rights Act.
Governor Jeff Landry will postpone primary as President Donald Trump praised the ruling for letting states redraw maps.

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