Jeff Landry Signs Louisiana Map Erasing One Majority Black District

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana lawmakers have approved a new House map that reduces the state's majority Black districts from two to one, setting the stage for a major shift ahead of the 2026 elections.

The vote came weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the previous plan, ruling that the district configuration amounted to an unconstitutional racial gerrymander, according to The Associated Press. The revised boundaries are expected to favor Republicans in five of Louisiana's six seats in Washington.

One of the largest changes affects the district represented by Democrat Cleo Fields. Lines that once supported a second majority Black district have been redrawn, leaving Louisiana with a single majority Black seat.

Lawmakers spent hours defending and criticizing the proposal inside the Capitol in Baton Rouge. Supporters argued the plan follows the Supreme Court's direction, while opponents warned Black voters could have less influence under the new arrangement.

Republican leaders maintained the boundaries were shaped by political considerations rather than race. Democratic lawmakers and civil rights organizations rejected that argument and signaled further legal action.

Committee rooms filled with lawmakers, staff members and spectators as the proposal moved through its final steps. Votes were closely tracked while supporters and opponents watched the outcome unfold in real time.

Similar fights over district boundaries have emerged across the South since the court's ruling. Legislatures in several states have revisited voting maps as both parties search for opportunities to strengthen their position in the U.S. House.

Gov. Jeff Landry signed the measure after it cleared the Legislature, putting the new boundaries in place ahead of the next election cycle. His approval marked the final step needed for the plan to take effect.

Party strategists immediately began studying the new boundaries for potential opportunities and vulnerabilities. Candidate recruitment, fundraising plans and campaign operations are expected to adjust as election preparations move forward.

Candidates, election officials and advocacy groups are now preparing for the next chapter in the dispute. Additional court challenges are expected as opponents seek to block the proposal before voters cast ballots under the new boundaries.