Louisiana officials react after US Supreme Court delays ruling on state’s congressional map

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The U.S. Supreme Court decided to delay its ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map and will rehear the case later.

Justice Clarence Thomas disagreed, saying the Court is required to act quickly and warned that current interpretations of the Voting Rights Act may force states to draw race-based districts that violate the Constitution.

Louisiana officials react

“Although we hoped for a decision this Term, we welcome a further opportunity to present argument to the Court regarding the States’ impossible task of complying with the Court’s voting precedents.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill

“I have said from the very beginning that politics, not race, was the predominant factor in drawing this map,” Congressman Fields explains. “Since voting rights were extended to all citizens, irrespective of race or gender, there has been a continuous effort to protect and ensure those rights are upheld. While many were looking forward to receiving clarity on this matter today, this decision does not change anything in the immediate future for the people of Louisiana. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the sixth district as the legal and judicial process continues.”

Congressman Cleo Fields (LA-06)

“The Supreme Court’s decision to rehear this case is a disappointing but not unfamiliar step in the long struggle for fair representation in Louisiana. While the Court did not overturn the map today, its refusal to resolve the issue only prolongs uncertainty.

“Let me be clear: the map currently in place reflects the demographic reality of our state and the legal mandates of the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana is one-third Black, and our congressional delegation should reflect that. Both the Middle District of Louisiana and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed this principle when they ruled that a second majority-minority district is not just fair—it is required by law.

“The map adopted by the legislature was a product of bipartisan negotiation, judicial review, and compliance with federal law. It is not a racial gerrymander—it is a remedial measure responding to decades of underrepresentation. The fact that two Black members of Congress were elected under this map is not evidence of unfairness; it is evidence that the system can work when fairness is the goal.

“The ongoing legal challenges are deeply troubling, especially when they are driven by bad-faith arguments that twist the Equal Protection Clause into a weapon against equitable representation. Attempts to roll back the progress we’ve made are not about the Constitution—they’re about power.

“As the Court prepares to revisit this case, I’m reminded of what’s at stake: the right of every Louisianian—regardless of race—to have a voice in our democracy. The Voting Rights Act was designed to protect that right. It’s time we uphold it, not undermine it.”

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA)

See more statements as they come in.

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