Louisiana Redistricting Case: Supreme Court Hears Arguments Monday

SHREVEPORT, LA –  The national spotlight will shine on Louisiana at the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday morning. The nation’s highest court will hear arguments in the case of Louisiana v. Callais. This is the case about the new congressional district lines in the Bayou State.

Challengers to these lines claim they were drawn specifically along racial lines which would be illegal based on previous high court rulings. A group of conservatives including Shreveport Senators Alan Seabaugh and Thomas Pressly have challenged the legislature's map, contending it amounted to a racial gerrymander in violation of the Constitution's guarantee to equal protection of the law.

But supporters of these new lines claim race was not the primary factor in drawing these lines.

The lines were allowed to be used in the election in 2024 and Cleo Fields won the seat in Congress from the new district.

This Louisiana case will likely have major implications for redistricting efforts across the country as the courts try to decide how states can legally consider race in drawing maps.

Louisiana has more than 31% Black population and until this most recent election had only one district that was majority Black. The other five districts had majority white populations.

Attorneys argued that Louisiana should draw new lines to fully represent all voters.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments on this case for one hour Monday morning. Senators Seabaugh and Pressly will be in the court for the testimony.

What Is the Supreme Court Trying to Decide?

In Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court will decide the fate of Louisiana's congressional map and this could set the stage for future maps drawn in other states.

No word yet on how soon the High Court might rule.