The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along partisan lines that Louisiana must redraw its congressional map. The decision struck down Louisiana's second majority Black congressional district and ruled that a new map was a racial gerrymander, even though it was drawn to comply with the Voting Rights Act.
The ruling undermines and effectively guts Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the last remaining powerful provision of the 1965 civil rights law used to prevent racial discrimination in voting and ensure minority voters are treated fairly in redistricting. While the court kept Section 2 intact, the decision raises the bar for racial minorities to challenge electoral maps as racially discriminatory.
This outcome is a victory for Louisiana Republicans and the administration of President Donald Trump. It limits the use of the Voting Rights Act to create predominantly Black or Hispanic election districts, which may buttress Republican efforts to maintain control of the House in this year’s midterms and beyond.
Liberal justices stated the decision opens the door to eliminating the protections of the Voting Rights Act. The ruling could trigger a scramble by Republicans to redraw minority-majority congressional districts, particularly in the South, which could cost many Black Democrats their seats and affect the overall balance of power in Congress.