The plaintiffs argue that the state lawmakers’ approval of a congressional map with two majority black districts constitutes a ‘brutal racial gerrymander.’ Additionally, a group of non-black voters urged the Supreme Court to reject a Louisiana redistricting plan that creates two black-majority districts in the state, claiming that the electoral map is racially discriminatory. This case holds significant political implications due to the Republicans’ narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, as Louisiana is home to key Republican figures like Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. The dispute arose from a redistricting plan approved by the Republican-controlled Louisiana State Legislature, which was halted by Judge Shelly Dick of the U.S. District Court. Judge Dick ruled that the original map discriminated against black voters and ordered the creation of a second black-majority district to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The subsequent court rulings and legal battles have further complicated the issue, with non-black voters criticizing the new map for racial segregation and discrimination against non-black voters. The state has filed emergency applications with the Supreme Court to put a hold on the court’s injunction and restore the original map, citing concerns of ‘election chaos’ if changes are made close to the elections. The legal battle continues as both sides present their arguments before the highest court in the nation.
South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, which was argued on Oct. 11, 2023.
Republican state lawmakers told the Supreme Court it should overturn a ruling that the South Carolina legislature racially gerrymandered a congressional district because lawmakers used political, not racial, data to justify the redrawn map.
Although the Supreme Court frowns on racial gerrymanders, treating them as constitutionally suspect, it has adopted a hands-off attitude toward partisan gerrymanders.
The congressional seat at issue is currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.). Republicans outnumber Democrats in the state’s delegation to the U.S. House by six to one. Both of the state’s U.S. senators are Republicans.
A decision in the case is expected by the end of June, though it could come sooner.
