Louisiana Senate Advances Rapid Redistricting After Court Ruling
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BATON ROUGE. State senators moved this week to redraw Louisiana's six congressional districts after a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited the use of race in mapmaking; the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee accelerated hearings and is scheduled to vote on proposed plans this Tuesday and send a proposal to the full Senate on Thursday.
New proposals presented (SB116, SB121, SB130, SB407) include options that would retain two Black-majority districts or shift to 5-1 or 6-0 Republican advantages; lawmakers face a June 1 legislative deadline, several members reported threats after Friday's hearing, and Sen. Gary Carter voluntarily left the committee, replaced by Sen. Royce Duplessis.
More context
Timeline
- 1. U.S. Supreme Court limits race as predominant factor in districting (recent ruling).
- 2. Legislature schedules redistricting to comply with the ruling and meet June 1 deadline.
- 3. A contentious Friday hearing featured heated exchanges, public protests, and debate over proposed maps.
- 4. Senate committee moved its meeting from Wednesday to Tuesday and listed four bills for consideration.
- 5. After the hearing, Sen. Jay Morris reported threats and Sen. Gary Carter took a leave from the committee.
Why it matters
Redistricting can shift political power. It may change who represents you in Congress and how your community's needs are addressed. Watch for updates on the proposed plans (SB116, SB121, SB130, SB407) and their potential impact on your district.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
