Three federal judges convened Tuesday at the Tom Stagg United States Courthouse in Shreveport to consider whether the litigation known as Louisiana v. Callais should remain active after the state’s congressional map was redrawn following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared the previous 6th District an illegal racial gerrymander.
According to the Shreveport‑Bossier Advocate, the panel heard arguments from both sides. The state and intervenors—including the NAACP Louisiana State Conference and the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice—asked the judges to dismiss the case, contending that the new map resolves the controversy that sparked the original lawsuit. Deputy Solicitor General Morgan Brungard argued the case is now moot, stating the legislature redrew the maps in good faith on political, not racial, lines, a practice the Supreme Court permits. She added that any new challenges must be filed in a fresh lawsuit.
Representing the plaintiffs, attorney Edward Greim countered that the issues raised in the original complaint have not been fully addressed. Greim noted that Bert Callais now resides in the 2nd Congressional District, the only remaining Black‑majority district, and that the district may still be drawn on racial considerations. He asked for additional time to determine whether to pursue further claims.
Legal Defense Fund lawyer Sara Rohani, speaking for the Robinson intervenors, warned that the plaintiffs are attempting to “hijack a procedurally improper phase of the case” to dismantle the second Black‑majority district. Demetria McCain, Director of Policy for the Legal Defense Fund, emphasized that “Black political power is on the line.”
Republican legislative leaders, who oversaw the new map, said the redistricting was intended to protect GOP incumbents such as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R‑Benton) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R‑Jefferson). Their approach aligns with the state’s stated goal of drawing districts on political criteria rather than race.
The judges have not issued a ruling yet. Both parties are scheduled to present their road maps for the remainder of the case on Dec. 15, should the court decide not to dismiss the suit. The panel noted that any decision will not affect the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
After the hearing, the Legal Defense Fund and the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice escorted supporters to early‑voting sites, underscoring the community’s engagement with the issue.
What’s next: The federal panel will set a Dec. 15 briefing schedule to outline the case’s next steps. Residents should watch for any further court filings that could influence the composition of Louisiana’s congressional districts before the 2025 term begins.
Sources: shreveportbossieradvocate.com
