The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case that could affect the future use of race in redistricting, focusing on Louisiana’s congressional map, which includes two Black-majority districts. Conservative justices raised concerns about whether race played too large a role in creating the map, potentially violating the 14th Amendment.
The current map was adopted after a lower court found Louisiana’s original post-2020 census map likely violated the Voting Rights Act (VRA) by including only one Black-majority district. Lawmakers then drew a new map with two such districts, but it was challenged as unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned whether considering race made it the predominant factor. Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested it was unclear if the VRA still applies in such cases. Louisiana’s solicitor general argued the new map was driven by political considerations, not race.
A decision is expected by June. The ruling could impact redistricting battles nationwide and clarify how states may comply with both the Constitution and the VRA.
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