In a significant political development, the Louisiana Senate has passed a proposed congressional map with a new majority-Black district, a move coming on the heels of a federal court order mandating the creation of an additional district to uphold the Voting Rights Act. The new district would span from Caddo Parish to East Baton Rouge Parish, with its Black population’s representation increasing from 23% to a decisive 54%.
The federal court’s June 2022 decision, which struck down the state’s previous congressional map for illegally diluting Black voting power, was upheld in the U.S. Supreme Court case Allen v. Milligan. The court reinstated the order that Louisiana’s map be redrawn, prompting the Louisiana Legislature to act swiftly to comply with the court’s deadline of January 30.
Despite the 27-11 Senate vote and the backing by Gov. Jeff Landry, the revised map has faced opposition. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has criticized the proposal, highlighting the political ramifications, “This map requires the surrender of a Republican seat in Congress,” Johnson contended, reflecting concerns that the new district would likely benefit Democrats.
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, the current representative of the district undergoing demographic change, has also expressed dissent, stating, “There is no consideration where this map is in the best interests of the State of Louisiana.” Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, the sole Black congressman from Louisiana, has urged lawmakers to take the necessary steps to ensure a constitutional map is produced. He stated his willingness “to work with anyone to produce a constitutional map creating two majority-minority districts that give Black candidates a meaningful opportunity to win.”
Louisiana is running against the clock to enact maps during a special session ordered by Landry, which also includes deliberation on major changes to the state’s Supreme Court map. Should the Legislature fail to adopt a new map by the deadline, the existing map will go on trial in district court. If the plaintiffs, composed of voters and civil rights groups, reject a Legislature-approved plan, the district court will evaluate whether the map complies with the Voting Rights Act.
The proposal now heads to the Louisiana House for further consideration, coinciding with a separate proposal from a House committee that also supports a second majority-Black district. As the state grapples with its political landscape, the creation of this district stands as a pivotal moment in Louisiana’s effort to ensure fair representation and compliance with the nation’s voting rights laws.
Relevant articles:
– Speaker Mike Johnson urges Louisiana to ignore court order to create Black district
– Louisiana Senate Passes Congressional Map With Two Majority-Black Districts, Democracy Docket, Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:34:53 GMT
– Map with 2nd Black Louisiana Supreme Court district clears House committee, Louisana Illuminator, Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:18:56 GMT
– Which states could get new congressional maps in 2024?, ABC News, Wed, 17 Jan 2024 23:10:52 GMT