BATON ROUGE, La. — A federal court decision on Friday has given the state legislature until Jan. 15 to draw a new map in the Louisiana redistricting court case, which would require a second majority-minority congressional district.
Governor-elect Jeff Landry has reportedly called for a special session to address the issue at the beginning of his term in January. Although Landry himself had not immediately issued a statement.
According to the 5th Circuit Court that deliberated on this issue, if lawmakers don't create a properly redrawn map by Jan. 15, the case goes back to court.
Governor John Bel Edwards reaffirmed his opinion that the state congressional districts should be altered ahead of the 2024 elections.
"This is about simple math, basic fairness and the rule of law," Gov. Edwards said on Friday. "I remain confident that we will have a fair map with two majority Black districts before the congressional elections next year."
Congressman Troy Carter released a statement in response to governor-elect Jeff Landry's decision for the session.
"It has been clear for over a year and a half that Louisiana is operating under a Congressional map that clearly violates the Voting Rights Act," he said. "I sincerely hope that the new Legislature draws two majority-minority districts as required by the Voting Rights Act. The law is clear. It’s never too late to do the right thing," Carter added.
Landry's inauguration day is Jan. 8, he is expected to call a special session soon after.