Full Breakdown
Louisiana Governor Suspends Congressional Primaries Amid Court-Ordered Redistricting
5/6/2026, 6:44:08 PM
The Emergency Suspension
Governor Jeff Landry (R) issued an emergency order on April 30, suspending the May 16 congressional primaries. The order arrived two days before early voting began on May 2 and halted only the U.S. House races while other contests continued.
Legal Background and Redistricting Drive
The Supreme Court found Louisiana’s congressional map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, striking down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Republicans began redrawing the map, aiming to eliminate the New Orleans-based 2nd District of Rep. Troy Carter.
Principal Actors
Key participants include Gov. Jeff Landry, Rep. Cleo Fields (D-La.), Rep. Troy Carter (D), State Senator Royce Duplessis (D), Senate President Cameron Henry (R), ACLU deputy director Sarah Brannon, ACLU of Louisiana director Alanah Odoms, and Louisiana GOP director Cory Dennis.
Timeline of Developments
- April 1: Absentee ballots mailed for May 16 primary.
- April 30: Landry declares emergency, suspends congressional primaries.
- May 2: Early voting opens; sites post cancellation notices.
- May 3: Secretary of State reports >42,000 absentee ballots; total primary votes exceed 104,000.
- May 16: Primary election day.
- Monday (date unspecified): Supreme Court clears path for new map (Louisiana v. Callais).
Election Numbers
By May 3, more than 42,000 absentee ballots had been received. Total primary turnout topped 104,000 votes, with 45,000 absentee and the rest cast at early-voting sites. The suspended races could affect thousands of ballots.
Official Statements & Responses
Senate President Cameron Henry said the suspension falls within the governor’s authority but may create voter uncertainty. Louisiana GOP director Cory Dennis argued Landry is protecting election integrity by avoiding contests under an invalid map. Rep. Cleo Fields urged voters to complete full ballots, calling the governor’s order unresolved.
Criticism & Opposition
Civil-rights groups contend the emergency order lacks justification, violates precedents that discourage last-minute election changes, and risks widespread disenfranchisement.
On-the-Ground Reports
Early-voting sites posted bold notices reading “ATTENTION! NOTICE OF CANCELLATION.” Voters expressed bewilderment over whether their congressional ballots would be counted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
It remains unclear how many early ballots contain votes for the suspended congressional contests, leaving the number of potentially invalidated votes unknown. Lawsuits also dispute whether the governor’s emergency order complies with the Purcell precedent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The level of voter confusion and disenfranchisement is unimaginable.” — Sarah Brannon, Deputy Director, ACLU Voting Rights Project
- “We’re not in a pandemic, and we’re not in a hurricane,” — Royce Duplessis, State Senator
- “I’m telling the people who are voting to vote. And vote the full ballot,” — Rep. Cleo Fields, U.S. Representative (D-La.)
Outlook
Lawsuits continue to challenge the suspension, and courts will decide the legality of Landry’s emergency order. The legislature is expected to adopt a new congressional map, with a possible July 15 deadline for a revised primary schedule.
