In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's April 29, 2026, decision in Louisiana v. Callais declaring the state's congressional map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander (as covered previously in this series), Louisiana has suspended its upcoming primaries for U.S. House races. The ruling affects one of the state's two Democratic-held majority-Black districts. Other primaries, including U.S. Senate, proceed May 16.
The Supreme Court, in a majority opinion by Justice Samuel Alito, ruled that “the State’s attempt to satisfy the Middle District’s ruling, although understandable, was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.” A prior stay on an injunction ended with the 6-3 decision, enjoining elections under the current map.
Gov. Jeff Landry (R) and Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the suspension Thursday, stating they are coordinating with the legislature and Secretary of State’s office for a new map. Landry's executive order, he said, prevents elections under an invalid map to protect voter rights and system integrity, giving lawmakers time for a fair redraw.
Secretary of State Nancy Landry clarified that U.S. House races stay on ballots, but votes won't be counted; notices begin at early voting sites Saturday, though absentee ballots are out. Timeline for resumption unclear, with the Republican-led legislature expected to act, potentially eliminating a Democratic seat.
Rep. Troy Carter (D), Louisiana's sole Democratic congressman, decried the ruling as a “devastating blow,” warning of jeopardized progress for majority-Black districts and challenges for Black voters electing preferred candidates without Voting Rights Act safeguards.
