Almost four decades ago, the U.S. Supreme Court made a significant ruling in Thornburgh vs. Jingles (1986), mandating that states must consider race when drawing electoral districts as required by the Voting Rights Act. This ruling set up a deeply flawed standard that continues to trap states like Louisiana in a problematic and unjust framework.
Fast forward nearly 40 years, and that federal directive still restricts us, keeping us in a system that penalizes states no matter what decisions we make. Essentially, it favors racial quotas over fairness, local governance, and basic common sense.
Louisiana is ready to change the game.
Under my leadership, alongside Attorney General Liz Murrill, Louisiana is taking a stand for our Constitution, our residents, and the ideal of equal justice for all. We are calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit and overturn this outdated ruling. This framework has kept states trapped in a legal dilemma for far too long.
Here’s the issue: If a state doesn’t create enough majority-minority districts, it could face lawsuits under the Voting Rights Act. Conversely, if states do create these districts, they risk accusations of racial gerrymandering. This isn’t justice—it’s a legal snare, one that Louisiana knows all too well.
We passed the 2022 Congressional Map, which was then rejected by a federal court. We complied, drawing a new map, yet were sued once again. Despite following the rules, we ended up back in court. This isn’t how things are meant to function.
Since 2012, Louisiana taxpayers have poured over $40 million into defending against these unending redistricting lawsuits. That money should have been allocated to schools, roads, and communities instead of legal fees. The Constitution guarantees equal protection—it doesn’t call for racial engineering. The Voting Rights Act aims for fair access without imposing racial quotas. But now, these principles are at odds, and it’s high time for the Supreme Court to address that discrepancy.
As Louisiana’s attorney general and now as governor, I am dedicated to ending this legal circus. I want to bring clarity, consistency, and constitutional integrity to this process. Louisiana is not just advocating for itself; we represent every state tired of being micromanaged by activist judges and unelected officials. We demand fair legal standards that treat all Americans equally, regardless of race, background, or zip code.
Let me clarify: the case currently before the Supreme Court may have lasting implications on redistricting. This isn’t merely about political maps; it raises the fundamental question of who holds power: the states and their elected officials, or the federal courts perpetuating outdated racial objectives from decades past.
The Constitution is explicit. Americans deserve equal treatment and should unite as a community rather than be divided by race. This framework insists on categorizing individuals based on skin color—a practice that must be dismantled, and Louisiana is stepping up to lead the charge.
We will not yield. We will not remain passive. And we are not isolated in this effort.
The most effective way to eliminate race-based discrimination is simply to stop it.
Let’s turn this into a pivotal moment!
