Lawmakers could redraw Louisiana congressional districts before election

(The Center Square) — Louisiana officials are weighing whether to redraw the state’s congressional map before the 2026 elections after the U.S. Supreme Court sent a redistricting dispute back to federal court, creating uncertainty over which map voters will use.The ruling places Louisiana’s congressional map back in legal and political limbo after years of litigation over whether the state must have a second Black-opportunity district. The case involved the map lawmakers passed after earlier federal court rulings found problems with Louisiana’s original post-2020 census congressional map. Attorney General Liz Murrill said the case returns to a three-judge panel in the Western District of Louisiana unless lawmakers act first.The Legislature gets the first opportunity to fix the map. Murrill said. “If they do not act, then at some point, the court will act and draw a map.”An already-filed “placeholder” bill could be used this session to redraw the map rather than waiting for Gov. Jeff Landry to call a special session on redistricting. There are several currently filed. The outcome could affect Louisiana’s 2026 congressional elections, including primary contests and the general election. Federal law sets the general election date, but Murrill said the Legislature could adjust state-run primary dates tied to Louisiana’s closed-primary system.Senate President Cameron Henry and House Speaker Phillip DeVillier said legislative leaders are reviewing the ruling and consulting with members, the executive branch, and elections officials.“We are reviewing that ruling and meeting with our members, representatives from the executive branch, elections officials and counsel to determine next steps to be taken in the best interests of Louisiana voters and our state.”Murrill said the effect on this year’s elections depends on whether lawmakers decide to act.“It’s hard to say,” Murrill said. “That really depends on whether the Legislature decides to act. We’re still some months out before the final election date for congressional elections, and so it’s still possible to do something. But whether they will or will not is a question I can’t answer.”Former state Sen. Barry Milligan said lawmakers believed the earlier map would not withstand legal scrutiny.“We drew the right map in 2021 and we knew when SB 8 was drawn it would be ruled a gerrymander,” Milligan said. “The maps we drew, we checked the boxes. This one didn’t.” Milligan added that the implications for early voting and the coming elections is unclear and that the state has some decisions to make. “Do we put it on hold? Immediately revert back to prior map?,” he wondered.Murrill said lawmakers still have time to act and noted that election dates tied to the state’s closed-primary system could be changed if necessary.The attorney general said the Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces limits on using race as a predominant factor in redistricting.“It is going to be subject to strict scrutiny,” Murrill said. “Only under very narrow circumstances could it survive.”