After a Court Fight, Louisiana’s New Congressional Map Boosts Black Political Power

Louisiana has a new congressional map, with a second majority-Black district, after Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed it into law on Monday.

The new map is a win for Black voters and likely brings an end to the state’s long-running legal battle over redistricting. It could also see Democrats gain another seat in Congress.

Redistricting the map was the focus of a week-long special session called by Landry on his first day in office. A federal court had given Louisiana’s legislature until Jan. 30 to redraw its map in compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act, forcing lawmakers to add a second majority-Black district.

Louisiana’s earlier map was one of several across the country that had been challenged in court for allegedly diluting Black voting power, leading to a political battle over the districts that has lasted for almost two years.

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In 2022, Louisiana lawmakers passed a map with one majority-Black district out of six, even though Black residents make up about a third of the state’s population.

A group of Black voters, concerned the map did not offer Black Louisianans fair representation, challenged the map in court.

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Under the new map, Louisiana’s 2nd District, which encompasses much of New Orleans and surrounding areas, will have a Black population of about 53%. Democratic U.S. Rep. Troy Carter represents that district, which has been Louisiana’s only majority-Black district for several years.

Louisiana’s 6th District now stretches from parts of Shreveport to Baton Rouge and will have a Black population of about 56%. {snip}

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