Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) postponed the state's U.S. House primaries until at least mid-July via emergency executive order following the Supreme Court's April 29, 2026, ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which struck down the congressional map as unconstitutional under the Voting Rights Act. The move, praised by President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson but challenged by a lawsuit, has caused voter confusion amid ongoing early voting for other races, as Republicans eye redistricting gains.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on April 29, 2026, in Louisiana v. Callais that the state's congressional map—with two majority-Black districts out of six, despite Black residents comprising ~33% of the population—violated the Voting Rights Act through racial gerrymandering and imposed a heavy burden on Section 2 claims (see prior coverage in this series). Justice Elena Kagan's dissent warned it rendered Section 2 'all but a dead letter.'
Gov. Jeff Landry responded on April 30 with an executive order suspending House primaries originally set for May 16 (with early voting underway), shifting them to July 15 or until new maps are drawn, while sparing the Senate primary and other races—early voting for which began Saturday. Landry framed it as upholding 'the rule of law.' President Donald Trump praised his 'Vision, Strength, and Leadership' on social media, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) backed it, suggesting a November 'jungle' primary.
A lawsuit filed late Thursday challenges Landry's authority. Local officials, like Winn Parish registrar Bryan Kelley, called it 'crazy and confusing' but are informing voters via flyers and meetings. David Becker of the Center for Election Innovation and Research highlighted voter disruption: 'Every voter in Louisiana right now doesn’t know whether this election is going to go on or not.' Absentee ballots already distributed add to chaos; Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called proceeding with other races 'disappointing' and urged clarity.
Republicans see a chance to redraw for a 6-0 GOP edge based on 'shared interests and regional commonalities' (Rep. Thomas Pressly), eliminating majority-minority districts before 2026 midterms. Democrats decried it as 'completely anti-Democratic' (candidate Matt Gromlich) and a 'redistricting power grab' (Marc Elias). Critics like Janai Nelson of the Legal Defense Fund labeled the ruling 'catastrophic' for Black representation. In contrast, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said his state won't redraw before its May 19 primary but anticipates changes by 2028.
