Story perspectives

SCOTUS Strikes Down Louisiana Black District, Tightens Voting Rights

5/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district in a 6-3 ruling.
Justice Samuel Alito authored the majority opinion, deeming the map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
Justice Elena Kagan wrote a dissent, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, calling decision a demolition of the Voting Rights Act.
The Court’s new interpretation demands proof of intentional racial discrimination, making Section 2 challenges to district maps substantially harder.

History

Historical Context

In 1993, the Supreme Court’s Shaw v. Reno decision ruled that Louisiana’s oddly shaped majority-Black district violated the Equal Protection Clause. The 5-4 ruling, authored by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, required proof of intentional discrimination, prompting states to redraw over 200 districts nationwide. Today, Justice Samuel Alito’s 6-3 opinion dismantles Louisiana’s second Black district, echoing Shaw’s focus on racial intent while tightening Section 2 standards. The ruling threatens the Voting Rights Act’s enforcement, urging Congress and courts to reconsider protections for minority voters nationwide.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district in a 6-3 ruling.
Justice Samuel Alito authored the majority opinion, deeming the map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
Justice Elena Kagan wrote a dissent, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, calling decision a demolition of the Voting Rights Act.
The Court’s new interpretation demands proof of intentional racial discrimination, making Section 2 challenges to district maps substantially harder.

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