Dem
51
GOP
49
You win some, you lose some, apparently. Just when you thought the Louisiana congressional map was settled, and that there would be two majority-Black districts, think again. Yesterday, a three-judge panel tossed the new map, deciding by a vote of 2-1 that it was an impermissible racial gerrymander that discriminates against white people. Surely, you cannot possibly guess which way the two Trump-appointed judges on the panel voted, and which way the Clinton-appointed judge voted.
It is not clear what happens next, since in theory, there currently is no legal district map for Louisiana. The district court is going to hold another hearing to ponder that question. Meanwhile, there is likely to be an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which may or may not take the case. Thanks to Louisiana's jungle primary, there are still a few months left until there absolutely must be a resolution. That said, pro-Republican/pro-white forces managed to do enough dickering around in 2022 that the 5 R, 1 D map was used, despite it already having been declared an illegal racial gerrymander. It's very likely that we'll see the same outcome in 2024, meaning Louisiana will probably have to wait until 2026 for a 100% legitimate, court-certified district map. Or maybe 2028. 2030? (Z)