NAACP Denounces Louisiana Committee Move to Erase Majority-Black District

BATON ROUGE, La. - Today, the NAACP denounces Louisiana lawmakers for advancing a bill that would eliminate the 6th Congressional District, one of the state's two majority-Black congressional districts. The move to advance the new map on a 4-3 vote followed more than 9 hours of testimony and opposition. If finally approved, the redrawn Congressional map would be a devastating blow to Black political representation in a state where Black residents make up approximately 33% of the population.

This first procedural step to reshape the state's congressional maps comes just two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which eviscerated what was left of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act - the key provision that for decades helped ensure fair maps that provide Black voters an opportunity to elect candidates of choice. Louisiana lawmakers are capitalizing on that ruling, redrawing maps that limit Black political power rather than reflect the state's true demographic diversity.

"Across the South, states are moving at lightning speed to undo the progress we have made in strengthening Black representation - and we are deeply disappointed that Louisiana lawmakers are moving in the wrong direction," said Kristen Clarke, NAACP General Counsel. "This is not politics as usual. This is about power, about race, and about ensuring that all voters are represented in our democracy. The NAACP will use every tool available to fight back against this coordinated assault on Black voting rights."

The map eliminates Louisiana's 6th Congressional District which stretches from Shreveport to Baton Rouge. The proposed map, that will now advance to the Senate floor, includes one remaining majority-Black district that would include parts of Orleans, Jeffersonand East Baton Rouge Parishes.

"This vote - done in the middle of the night - is an outrage and a betrayal of the Black voters who have fought for generations to have a seat at the table," said Michael McClanahan, President of the NAACP Louisiana State Conference. "Louisiana has a Black population of approximately 33%, but won't have an equal opportunity to elect representatives of our choice. They're telling us that our voices don't matter, that our votes don't count, and that we don't deserve equal representation that reflects who we are. We condemn this decision in the strongest possible terms, and we will not rest until every Black Louisianan has the fair representation they are entitled to under the Constitution."

In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision, other states, such as Tennessee, have aggressively moved to eliminate majority-Black districts. Voting rights advocates warn that these coordinated efforts to redraw maps would erode Black representation for generations. The NAACP filed suit to block Tennessee's maps from taking effect.

If the map is approved by both chambers of Louisiana's House, then the NAACP will pursue all legal and legislative avenues to challenge Louisiana's map and will continue to mobilize voters in droves ahead of the November midterm elections.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.