Full Breakdown
Louisiana Senate Passes Redistricting Bill Eliminating One Majority-Black District
5/17/2026, 8:38:27 AM
Senate Approves Redistricting Bill
The Louisiana Senate approved Senate Bill 121 by a 27-10 vote, eliminating the 6th congressional district held by Democrat Rep. Cleo Fields and merging most of its area into a district centered on white communities around Baton Rouge. The 2nd district, represented by Democrat Rep. Troy Carter, stays the only majority-Black district. If the House passes the bill before June 1, the delegation would shift from four Republicans and two Democrats to five Republicans and one Democrat.
Background & Context
The vote follows the Supreme Court’s April 29, 2026 ruling in *Louisiana v. Callais*, which struck down the 2024 map for using race, prompting rapid redistricting in the South.
Timeline
April 29, 2026 – Court ruling; May 14, 2026 – Senate vote; June 1 – House deadline; Nov 3 – open primary.
Data & Statistics
Louisiana has 2,964,303 registered voters. The bill funds $2,934,660 for voter-notification mailers at $0.99 each. The 2nd district’s Black voting-age population is about 60 %.
Why It Matters
The redesign concentrates Democratic voters into one district, boosting Republican chances elsewhere and shaping the U.S. House balance after 2026. It also raises legal questions about race in redistricting.
Official Statements & Responses
Sen. Jay Morris said the maps aim to maximize Republican advantage. Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews noted Republicans, 35.6 % of voters, would hold 83 % of seats. Sen. Royce DuPlessis asked if the Court’s opinion bars race consideration, and Gov. Jeff Landry suspended the primary to allow time for new map.
Criticism & Opposition
Democrats say the plan dilutes Black voting power. Sen. Sidney Barthelemy II warned that using party affiliation as a proxy for race makes race a predominant factor. Sen. Sam Jenkins called it a “political power grab” that masks discrimination.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some sources say the new map mirrors the 2022 layout; others note boundary changes in the 2nd district. The Court gave no timetable, leaving uncertainty about future race considerations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These maps are drawn to maximize Republican advantage for the incumbent Republicans that we have in Congress,” — Sen. Jay Morris, R
- “This 5-1 map is a political power grab,” — Sen. Sam Jenkins, D-Shreveport
- “make up 35.6% of the state registered voters, [but] they will have 83% of the congressional representation of this state,” — Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D
- “I would argue that if 80% of the Republican Party is white, that [race] is a predominant factor — this amendment, and this bill in general, does use race as a predominant factor,” — Sen. Sidney Barthelemy II, D
What's Next
The bill now moves to the House, where a vote is expected next week. Lawmakers must adopt the map by June 1 to avoid further election disruptions, and pending lawsuits may challenge the districts before the November primary.
