WASHINGTON — The Louisiana v. Callais ruling on Wednesday weakened enforcement of the Voting Rights Act and set new limits on how courts evaluate racial discrimination claims in redistricting, with potential effects on Texas and other states.
In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that Louisiana’s creation of a congressional district intended as a second opportunity district for Black voters constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the majority that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act does not prevent states from using non-racial criteria, including partisan considerations, when drawing district maps.
Alito wrote that Section 2 applies only when evidence shows states intentionally reduced minority voters’ electoral opportunity because of race.
Justice Elena Kagan dissented and wrote that the ruling significantly limits the effectiveness of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Voting rights advocates said the ruling will make it more difficult to challenge district maps in court. Valencia Richardson said the decision raises the burden of proof for racial discrimination claims in redistricting cases.
Sarah Chen of the Texas Civil Rights Project said plaintiffs would now need to demonstrate explicit intent to discriminate in order to prevail in court challenges.
David Froomkin of the University of Houston Law Center said the ruling marks a major shift in Voting Rights Act precedent and could lead states to eliminate minority opportunity districts.
The decision follows recent congressional redistricting activity in multiple states, including Texas, where lawmakers approved new maps after prior litigation.
Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu said the ruling effectively weakens protections against racial discrimination in voting maps and criticized its impact on minority representation.
Florida lawmakers approved a new congressional map on the same day the ruling was issued.
The decision applies to congressional, state legislative, and local redistricting, and state lawmakers in several states have indicated they may revisit district boundaries in response. Congressman Christian Menefee said efforts to protect voting rights will continue through legislative and legal channels.