Rep. Mullin Responds to Supreme Court Gutting Voting Rights

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15) issued the following in response to the Supreme Court's decision on Louisiana v. Callais:

"President Trump's rogue conservative majority of the Supreme Court just delivered one of the absolutely WORST decisions in America's history.

The Court just gutted a critical part of the Voting Rights Act that shamefully takes us back over 60 years and erases fundamental protections against racial discrimination in redistricting.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act had guaranteed that every person - regardless of their race - should have an equal opportunity to elect a representative of their choice.

But now, these protections are being taken away at a time when our democracy is facing existential threats.

Trump stacked the Supreme Court with conservatives, he ordered Republican states to gerrymander in his favor and find him "more seats" - and he kicked off a mid-decade redistricting war - all so his side can cling to power.

In disagreeing with today's 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, Justice Kagan rightfully wrote:

"I dissent because the Court betrays its duty to faithfully implement the great statute Congress wrote. I dissent because the Court's decision will set back the foundational right Congress granted of racial equality in electoral opportunity."

Congress must pass the For the People Act, which includes nationwide redistricting reform, because we need to ensure the people - not corrupt lawmakers trying to cling to power - can decide how to draw the lines. Voters should pick their elected officials, not the other way around. I also support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and am more committed than ever before to defend our democracy, expand citizens' rights to access the ballot box, and fight against all forms of racism."

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