Supreme Court Rules Race Cannot Predominate in Louisiana Congressional Map

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves called a special legislative session for May 20, initially focused on state Supreme Court districts but open to congressional lines. The session comes 21 days after the Louisiana ruling. Republican officials including Auditor Shad White and state Sen.

Kevin Blackwell have called for changes to the majority-Black 2nd District held by Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson. Mississippi’s primaries already occurred in March.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to expedite review of a separate redistricting case in light of the Louisiana decision. A federal three-judge panel had previously ordered use of a court-selected map containing a second district with substantial Black voters until after the 2030 Census.

Alabama currently has two predominantly Black districts—the 2nd and 7th—both held by Democrats. Gov. Kay Ivey stated the state is not positioned for a full special session now but called lawmakers back starting Monday to prepare contingency plans. Alabama’s primaries are set for May 19; the filing deadline passed in January.

Democratic Rep. Troy Carter said a new Louisiana map could result in six congressional districts with no African-American or Democratic representation. “We can realistically end up having six congressional districts with no African-American, or Democratic representation, it’s very possible, given what we’ve seen happen across this country,” Carter said.

In Florida, the legislature passed a proposed congressional map on Wednesday that awaits signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis. The map would add four Republican-leaning seats by altering districts in Tampa, Orlando and parts of the southeast coast. DeSantis’ counsel argued the changes free the state from racial requirements contained in its “Fair Districts” Amendments.

Eight states have adopted new House districts through lawmakers, commissions or courts during the current redistricting cycle. South Carolina’s governor has suggested reconsideration of its map and Georgia has seen calls from GOP activists, though no immediate actions were detailed in those states. Tennessee’s Supreme Court blocked additional redistricting in 2022 due to proximity to elections.