Full Breakdown
Louisiana and South Carolina Redistricting Push Threatens Black Seats
5/22/2026, 6:34:37 AM
Core Legislative Actions
In May 2026 Louisiana’s House advanced Senate Bill 121 (10-7) to replace the 2022 map, removing one of two majority-Black districts and giving Republicans five of six seats. The South Carolina House passed a bill (74-37) to create seven Republican-leaning districts, erasing the state’s only Democratic-held 6th district. Maps must be finalized by June 1.
Background & Context
The Supreme Court’s April 2026 decision in *Callais v. Louisiana* struck down the 2022 remedial map for using race as a primary factor, removing the requirement to maintain a second majority-Black district and spurring mid-decade redistricting across the South.
Data & Costs
Louisiana’s plan yields a 5-1 Republican advantage. South Carolina’s map would give GOP a 7-0 delegation, costing roughly $5 million for an August primary; Charleston County alone faces $830 000. Over 10 500 absentee ballots have been mailed, about 1 400 returned.
Why It Matters
If enacted, the maps could reshape the 2026 midterm balance, diminish Black electoral influence, and set a precedent for partisan redistricting under the post-Callais framework.
Official Statements
Sen. Jay Morris said the Louisiana map “advances Republican ideals in Congress” and is “defendable under the Constitution.” Rep. Denise Marcelle argued the Court’s ruling does not require a map that benefits Republicans. Speaker Pro Tempore Mike Johnson noted “fairness to parties is not a constitutional requirement.” Luke Rankin warned the plan could secure a Republican majority in Congress.
Criticism & Opposition
Democrats and civil-rights groups called the moves “political power grabs” that “dilute Black voting power.” New Orleans mayor Marc Morial called the Louisiana plan a “Jack-o-lantern” of intentional racial discrimination. Rep. Wilford Carter warned “race is party in Louisiana.” The ACLU of South Carolina and the League of Women Voters sued over alleged open-meeting violations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
State Election Commission estimates for the South Carolina special primary range from $3.5 million to $5 million. Sources differ on absentee ballots cast (2 500 vs. 10 500). No definitive court rulings on the new Louisiana map are pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s nothing in a constitutional ruling that says that fairness as to political parties is required,” — Mike Johnson, R, House Speaker Pro Tempore
- “Race is party in Louisiana. Ninety-some percent of the Republicans are white, and ninety-some percent of Democrats are black,” — Wilford Carter, D, Louisiana state representative
- “By ignoring open-meetings rules in their quest to rig Congressional election maps, lawmakers reveal utter and naked contempt for the voters they claim to represent,” — Allen Chaney, legal director, ACLU of South Carolina
- “As a Republican, do I want a 7-0 majority? Yes,” — Sarita Edgerton, R, South Carolina state representative
What’s Next
Louisiana’s House must vote before June 1; Governor Jeff Landry will sign or veto amid lawsuits. South Carolina’s Senate will vote on the map this week, after which Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to sign. Both states face federal challenges as 2026 midterms approach.
