Following a Supreme Court ruling that eliminated a predominantly Black congressional district in Louisiana, Republican leaders across multiple states are launching efforts to redraw electoral boundaries, escalating nationwide redistricting conflicts.
Louisiana postponed its May 16 congressional primary to give legislators time to create new U.S. House districts. Former President Donald Trump is pushing additional states to pursue redistricting changes before November’s midterm elections, which will decide Republican control of the narrowly divided House.
Trump previously encouraged Texas Republicans to redesign House districts for partisan advantage. California Democrats followed suit with similar actions. Additional states subsequently entered the redistricting fight, with lawmakers, commissions, or courts establishing new House districts across eight states.
This number may increase following the Supreme Court’s ruling that substantially diminished a key section of the federal Voting Rights Act.
Here’s how various states are reacting to the Supreme Court decision:
LOUISIANA
Current House composition: two Democrats, four Republicans
Early voting was scheduled to start Saturday for Louisiana’s primaries. However, Republican Governor Jeff Landry acted swiftly Thursday to delay the congressional primary while permitting other office elections to proceed.
A federal lawsuit filed Thursday on behalf of a Democratic congressional candidate and voter requested court intervention to stop Landry’s directive and maintain the original House primary schedule. The lawsuit noted that thousands of absentee ballots had already been distributed and many returned completed.
Additionally, a three-judge federal court panel that handled the case appealed to the Supreme Court issued Thursday orders suspending Louisiana’s congressional primary.
Republican legislative leaders in both chambers indicated readiness to enact new U.S. House districts and establish a fresh primary date before their session concludes in one month.
ALABAMA
Current House composition: two Democrats, five Republicans
Alabama officials Thursday submitted an emergency Supreme Court motion requesting expedited review of a pending redistricting appeal.
A 2023 federal court mandated creation of a new near-majority Black district in Alabama, leading to election of a second Black U.S. House representative. Alabama must use this new map through the 2030 census under court order.
A Supreme Court appeal claims the map constitutes illegal racial gerrymandering, similar to arguments made regarding Louisiana.
The state seeks removal of an injunction preventing use of the 2023 Republican-controlled Legislature map that excluded the new district.
State primaries are scheduled for May 19. Republican Governor Kay Ivey stated Wednesday that the state cannot “hold a special session at this time” for redistricting.
FLORIDA
Current House composition: eight Democrats, 20 Republicans
Within hours of the Supreme Court decision, Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature passed new U.S. House districts potentially helping the GOP secure up to four additional November seats.
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis convened a special legislative session before knowing the Supreme Court’s Louisiana ruling timing. However, DeSantis expressed certainty about the court’s eventual decision. The new map modifies a southeastern Florida district that DeSantis claimed was designed to elect a Black representative for federal Voting Rights Act compliance.
A 2010 Florida constitutional amendment approved by voters prevents districts from being drawn to reduce racial or language minorities’ ability to choose their representatives. DeSantis considers this amendment unconstitutional under federal law. Courts are expected to resolve this issue.
TENNESSEE
Current House composition: one Democrat, eight Republicans
The Tennessee General Assembly recently concluded its annual session. Nevertheless, pressure is mounting to recall lawmakers for congressional district revisions.
Trump posted on social media Thursday about speaking with Republican Governor Bill Lee, who Trump said would work diligently for a new map potentially helping Republicans gain another seat. Democrats currently hold just one seat – a Memphis-centered district with a Black majority.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, confirmed ongoing discussions with the White House and others while examining the court’s ruling.
The state’s candidate filing period ended in March. Primary elections are set for August 6.
MISSISSIPPI
Current House composition: one Democrat, three Republicans
Mississippi conducted its U.S. House primaries in March. The Supreme Court decision may impact other office elections.
Republican Governor Tate Reeves previously announced plans to call a special legislative session for redrawing state Supreme Court voting districts, beginning 21 days after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Louisiana ruling. This timeline places the special session start around May 20.
A federal judge last year required Mississippi to redesign its Supreme Court voting districts after determining they violated the Voting Rights Act by weakening Black voter influence. Mississippi lawmakers awaited the Louisiana decision before proceeding, but their legislative session ended in April.
Reeves stated in his proclamation that the Supreme Court decision would guide lawmakers on whether “race-conscious redistricting” violates the U.S. Constitution.
GEORGIA
Current House composition: five Democrats, nine Republicans
Early voting began April 27 and continues for several weeks before Georgia’s May 19 primary elections.
Republican Governor Brian Kemp said it’s too late for Georgia officials to modify congressional districts for this year’s elections since voting has already started. However, he indicated the Supreme Court decision’s reasoning “requires Georgia to adopt new electoral maps before the 2028 election cycle.”
