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Supreme Court Halts Louisiana Primary Over Unconstitutional Race Map

5/5/2026

Center

Supreme Court Pauses

The Supreme Court granted a request, letting its April 29 ruling on Louisiana’s map take effect and pause the congressional primary.
Louisiana’s congressional map, creating a majority-Black district, was ruled unconstitutional for using race as the primary factor.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued an order postponing the May 16 primary, now facing legal challenges.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder warned the decision could endanger 12-19 majority-minority seats nationwide.

Left

Supreme Court Strikes

The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais struck down race-conscious majority-Black districts, prompting special sessions in Alabama, Tennessee.
Louisiana’s 2024 congressional map was ruled unconstitutional because race was the predominant factor in drawing districts.
Colorado officials, backed by redistricting commission and Voting Rights Act, announced stronger lawsuits and legislation.
Critics warn minority representation loss; Junie Joseph and Jena Griswold decry the decision.

History

Historical Context

The 1986 unanimous Thornburg v. Gingles decision established the three-precondition test for Section 2 vote-dilution claims, reshaping redistricting across states such as Texas and North Carolina. Decades later, the Court’s recent ruling striking down Louisiana’s majority-Black congressional map revives Gingles’ focus on race as a predominant factor, threatening dozens of minority-majority seats nationwide.

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Supreme Court Pauses

The Supreme Court granted a request, letting its April 29 ruling on Louisiana’s map take effect and pause the congressional primary.
Louisiana’s congressional map, creating a majority-Black district, was ruled unconstitutional for using race as the primary factor.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry issued an order postponing the May 16 primary, now facing legal challenges.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder warned the decision could endanger 12-19 majority-minority seats nationwide.

1 / 3