Full Breakdown
Southern States Accelerate Redistricting After Supreme Court Ruling
5/14/2026, 9:32:34 PM
Supreme Court Ruling Spurs New Maps
A U.S. Supreme Court decision in April declared Louisiana’s congressional map an illegal racial gerrymander, finding it relied too heavily on race. The ruling weakened the federal Voting Rights Act’s constraints and prompted Republican-controlled legislatures in Louisiana, South Carolina, Missouri and other Southern states to draft new district plans before the 2024 midterms.
State Proposals and Timeline
Louisiana’s Senate approved on May 16 a plan merging the 6th district into a predominantly white Baton Rouge area while keeping Rep. Troy Carter’s New Orleans-based majority-Black district. Gov. Jeff Landry postponed the June 9 primaries to finalize the map. In South Carolina, a House committee reviewed a redistricting bill in early June; Senate approval is pending before the June 9 primary, though an August delay is discussed. Missouri’s Supreme Court heard challenges to its new map and will rule before the August 4 primary.
Projected Congressional Shifts
Republicans estimate new maps in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama could add up to 15 House seats; Democrats project six seats from maps in California and Utah. Louisiana’s revised plan would eliminate one majority-Black district, reshaping the 6th district around white communities while preserving Rep. Troy Carter’s New Orleans district.
Official Statements
Gov. Jeff Landry said postponing the primary gives time for the new districts. South Carolina House Majority Leader Davey Hiott called the process “long, boring, and confrontational.” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway called the decision a victory for the state. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said he dislikes being asked to bend to former President Trump’s wishes.
Legal Opposition
The ACLU and Campaign Legal Center say Missouri’s map dilutes voter rights and harms the referendum process. Louisiana civil-rights groups and Black Democratic senators warn that eliminating majority-Black districts could breach the Voting Rights Act. Plaintiffs also argue the map fails compactness and should be suspended pending signature verification.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve said from day one, I have no interest in running against Troy Carter. Period,” — Rep. Cleo Fields, Democratic U.S. Representative, Louisiana.
- “I’ve got too much resistance in my heritage.” — Shane Massey, South Carolina Senate Majority Leader.
- “will be long. It will be boring. It will be confrontational,” — Davey Hiott, South Carolina House Majority Leader.
- “This state — and our democracy — are worse off for this outcome.” — ACLU and Campaign Legal Center, civil-rights coalition.
Next Steps
Louisiana’s Senate will vote on the revised map within days, after which the Legislature will set a new primary date. South Carolina’s Senate must approve any plan before the June 9 primary, though a delay to August is being considered. Missouri’s Supreme Court will decide on suspending the map before the August 4 primary. Lawsuits are expected in Alabama and other states as the Supreme Court’s precedent continues to shape redistricting.
