The US Supreme Court has sharply limited the use of race in drawing electoral districts in a decision that could reshape congressional maps nationwide and boost Republican prospects.
In a 6–3 ruling split along ideological lines, the conservative-dominated court has struck down a map creating a second majority-Black district in Louisiana, finding it amounted to an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
The decision leaves the core of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) intact but narrows its application.
Democracy Docket reported the ruling could help secure 27 extra Republican seats, cementing party control "for at least a generation".
Dissent warns of impact
Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito said compliance with the VRA "could not justify" the use of race in this case.
"That map is an unconstitutional gerrymander, and its use would violate the plaintiffs' constitutional rights," he said.
Justice Elena Kagan warned the decision risked letting states "systematically dilute minority citizens' voting power".
The case centred on a map redrawn after the 2020 census, which was challenged by non-Black voters for relying too heavily on race.
Such districts often favour Democrats, meaning the decision could give Republicans an in-built advantage.
Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer called the ruling a "devastating blow" to the VRA, stating the court "turned its back on one of the most sacred promises in American democracy".
Soon after the ruling, the Florida legislature approved a new map proposed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aiming to eliminate or shrink Democratic-leaning districts.
