Louisiana Senate Passes New Congressional Map That Boosts Republican Seats

Two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Louisiana's previous congressional map for using race as the predominant factor, the state Senate approved a revised map in a 27‑10 party‑line vote. Sponsored by Republican Senator Jay Morris, the plan eliminates the current 6th District—represented by Democrat Cleo Fields—and redraws it into a Republican‑leaning district centered on South Louisiana and the Baton Rouge suburbs, while preserving the majority‑Black 2nd District held by Democrat Troy Carter.

If the map is signed into law after House approval and the governor’s signature, the state’s congressional delegation would shift from a 4‑2 Democratic advantage to a 5‑1 Republican advantage ahead of the 2026 elections. Morris said, “These maps are drawn to maximize Republican advantage for the incumbent Republicans that we have in Congress.” The legislation moves toward a June 1 deadline, reflecting a broader push by GOP‑led Southern states to reshape districts following recent Supreme Court rulings that weakened the Voting Rights Act.

The new districts will be used for the upcoming primary elections, which could be postponed to November. The changes could pit incumbent Democrats against each other in the 2nd District, while Republicans anticipate gaining an additional House seat.