Washington, D.C. – Today, Marina Jenkins, Executive Director of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) and Affiliates, released a video in response to Callais v. Landry, a lawsuit that was filed to undo Louisiana’s fair congressional map, which now includes two Black opportunity districts, and weaken – or even potentially dismantle –  Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Specifically, Jenkins warns that there are pro-gerrymandering forces on both sides of this case – a case that could determine the future of Section 2.  

Excerpts from the video: 

“This year, because of a successful lawsuit initiated by our affiliate, the National Redistricting Foundation, Louisiana enacted a new congressional map finally providing Black Louisianans with the equal representation they deserve under the law. 

“There are now two districts where Black voters have the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice, instead of just one. But this fight is far from over. 

“Almost immediately, a lawsuit was filed to dismantle the fair map. The motive of this case is clear: it is part of a broader national attack on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Even more worrisome, there are pro-gerrymandering forces on both sides of this case.

“That’s right. Louisiana is supposed to defend the new, fair map, but instead hired lawyers associated with some of the most egregious gerrymanders in the country, including North Carolina and Ohio. 

“The outcome of this case could not only affect Louisiana’s congressional map, but also determine the future of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.”

Additional Background: 

In 2022, the National Redistricting Foundation (NRF), the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the NDRC, initiated Robinson v. Ardoin, the lawsuit that successfully struck down Louisiana’s original congressional map for violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and led to the enactment of Louisiana’s current fair map. The NRF also initiated and directed the successful challenge against Alabama’s congressional map in Allen v. Milligan.

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