Supreme Court Invalidates Louisiana Congressional Map as Racial Gerrymander

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana's congressional map, ruling it an unconstitutional racial gerrymander under the Voting Rights Act. The decision led Louisiana's secretary of state to announce that primaries will proceed with U.S. House races on the ballot, but votes in those races will not be counted until districts are redrawn.

The court found the map violated constitutional standards by overly relying on race in district drawing, according to the ruling issued on April 30, 2026. This follows a broader pattern of states rushing to adjust maps after recent Supreme Court decisions on voting rights. The Dispatch reported the justices determined the redistricting represented an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Sources differ on the ruling's effect on the Voting Rights Act. The Guardian reported the decision severely weakens Section 2 of the act, with advocates vowing to relocate their fight to other venues. In contrast, the ruling enforces limits on race-based gerrymandering, potentially preserving equal protection principles.

Voting rights groups expressed strong opposition.

“Black Americans have never been fully represented in the electoral process. This ruling makes it less likely that we ever will. The impact of this ruling cannot be understated. The consequences will be seen both immediately and far into the future.”

The Lawyers’ Committee decried the outcome, emphasizing long-term effects on minority representation. Louisiana's action to postpone counting primary votes aims to comply with the ruling while maintaining election schedules.

The case stems from challenges to Louisiana's map under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting practices that discriminate based on race. States like Louisiana have been redrawing districts in response to court orders, with this decision adding to ongoing legal battles over fair representation.

The ruling comes amid other redistricting efforts following a Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act.