Overview
- The Supreme Court decision, issued April 29 in Louisiana v. Calais, struck down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a 6–3 opinion by Justice Samuel Alito.
- The ruling now requires proof of racist intent to overturn a map, a higher bar that dissenting justices said could let states cut minority representation without legal consequence.
- Republican-led states including Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Missouri are preparing new congressional maps.
- With primary calendars tight in many states, Louisiana has already moved its election dates to make room for redistricting under the new rules.
- The Trump administration hailed the decision as race-neutral, while Democrats in California, New York, Illinois, Colorado, and Maryland are weighing tougher maps where they govern.