Congressman Carter Statement on Louisiana v. Callais Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), released the following statement following the motion-to-dismiss hearing held in Shreveport, LA, on Louisiana v. Callais, to determine whether the legal challenge to the final Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana can move forward:

"Fair representation in our democracy doesn't just mean lines on a map - it's about whether Black Americans and other Americans of color have a meaningful opportunity to make their voices heard in government and obtain access to good schools, safe roads, and quality health care. The Callais plaintiffs got what they want earlier this year: the Supreme Court eviscerated the Voting Rights Act further, giving permission to conservative state legislators in Louisiana and around the country to eliminate Black-majority congressional districts. As a result, fair political representation for Black communities will take a huge blow this Election Day. But this wasn't enough; now these plaintiffs want to eliminate the last remaining Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana - a state that is one-third Black and has six congressional districts. I will continue fighting to protect the right to vote and the principles of fair representation in Congress by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act."

Background

In April 2026, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Callais case that struck down Louisiana's previous congressional map and further eviscerated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Following the Supreme Court's decision, Louisiana eliminated one of its two Black-majority districts. Earlier today, a motion-to-dismiss hearing was held in Shreveport, Louisiana. At the hearing, the original plaintiffs in theLouisiana v. Callais case presented a challenge to Louisiana's remaining majority-Black congressional district. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has requested the case be dismissed.

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