The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district in a decision that could open the door for Republican-led states to eliminate Black and Latino districts that favor Democrats and influence the balance of power in Congress.
The Decision does not repeal this provision completely. Justice Samuel Alito they saw it as an “update” to the framework that has governed Voting Rights Act cases for decades, while dissenting liberal justices called it a “demeanor” of the law.
But under the majority readingAlito agreed that the Constitution did not tolerate Louisiana’s novel majority black district.
“This map is an unconstitutional gerrymander and its use would violate plaintiffs’ constitutional rights,” Alito wrote.
In dissent, the Supreme Court’s three liberal justices called it a “now complete dismantling” of the Voting Rights Act.
An extremely complicated matter, with extremely significant repercussions on the nationwide map of the Congress – potentially in 2026, but certainly in 2028, 2030 and 2032.
How are Pennsylvania lawmakers and candidates reacting to this decision?
This story will be updated with additional comments.
