Federal judges in Shreveport are weighing whether a high-profile legal challenge to Louisiana’s congressional maps should remain open, a decision that could directly threaten the state’s single remaining majority-minority district. The proceedings, reported by KSLA, stem from an ongoing dispute over voting boundaries after the Supreme Court previously ruled that a second majority-Black district as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
While the immediate outcome will leave the map used for the midterm elections untouched, civil rights advocates warn that keeping the door open in Callais v. Landry invites fresh litigation targeting District 2, the only remaining Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana. The legal battle centers on a motion to dismiss brought by state officials and civil rights organizations who argue the plaintiffs have already achieved everything their initial lawsuit demanded.
Arguments for Dismissal and the Threat to District 2
During the recent hearing in Shreveport, attorneys representing both the state and the Legal Defense Fund urged the court to close the book on the current phase of the litigation. They maintained that no active violations remain under the existing map, which features a single majority-minority district.
“Today we argued that this case should be dismissed. The plaintiffs have achieved their success on all of their claims,” said Sara Rohani, an attorney with the Legal Defense Fund, as reported by KSLA. She added that lawyers representing plaintiff Callais—who resides in District 2—are attempting to “hijack a procedurally improper phase of the case to push forward new claims, to try to take down the second majority Black district.”
Conversely, attorneys for the plaintiffs countered that they intend to present extensive proof on Dec. 15 if they decide to pursue fresh complaints regarding District 2. That documentation could include newly analyzed data compiled in the wake of the midterm elections.
Reactions Outside the Federal Courthouse
Outside the courthouse, community members, legal advocates, and representatives from the POWER Coalition gathered to express deep concern over the trajectory of the litigation.
“We’re not here because the Supreme Court simply eliminated one Black opportunity district. We are here because they are coming for the only one that we have left,” said Nora Ahmed, legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, according to KSLA.
Press Robinson, the lead plaintiff in Robinson v. Callais, emphasized that the implications of the ongoing legal maneuvers extend far beyond Louisiana’s borders. “It’s going to affect the political process, not only at every level of the political process, but all throughout this country. This is big, y’all. This is really, really big,” Robinson told reporters.
Next Steps in Court
The federal panel set the next court date for Dec. 15, at which point the plaintiffs are expected to outline their evidence regarding District 2. KSLA reported that attorneys representing Callais were reached for comment following the hearing but did not respond.
