Congressman Carter Statement on Louisiana v. Callais Oral Arguments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement as the Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais — a landmark case that could determine whether one-third of Louisiana’s population, Black Louisianians, will continue to have an opportunity to elect representatives of their choice:

“Today’s arguments before the Supreme Court are about far more than lines on a map. They are about whether Louisiana will reflect the diversity of its people and ensure fair representation for all residents. Math is Math! Both the Middle District and the Fifth Circuit Court ruled that Louisiana must have two majority-minority districts. The bipartisan map enacted by the legislature honors those rulings.

“The creation of a second majority-minority district was not about race; it’s about fairness, compliance with federal law, and ensuring that Black voices in Louisiana are not silenced. The current map is the product of bipartisan compromise, legislative action, and judicial review. The Supreme Court has a duty to uphold the integrity of the Voting Rights Act and ensure that every Louisianian has a seat at the table.

“The Voting Rights Act is not a relic; it is a living promise that our democracy belongs to everyone. For nearly 200 years, Black Americans had virtually no representation in government. The Voting Rights Act, forged in the blood, was enacted to right that wrong. It remains as vital today as it was 60 years ago.

“The Supreme Court must uphold the Voting Rights Act and the current fair, lawful congressional map that reflects the people of Louisiana. The stakes are nothing less than the future of representative democracy in our state and our nation. We must not allow the erosion of this promise — not now, not in Louisiana, not anywhere, and not on our watch.”

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