NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Politics and race are both factors in a pending court challenge of Louisiana’s new congressional maps. How much weight each carries is a major question before three federal judges whose ruling could affect the balance of power in the next Congress. At issue is a congressional map that was approved this year with the backing of the state’s new governor, Jeff Landry — to the consternation of at least some of his fellow Republicans. The map creates a new mostly Black congressional district in Louisiana, at the expense of a white Republican incumbent, Rep. Garret Graves, who backed another Republican in the governor’s election last fall. Given voting patterns in Louisiana, a mostly Black district would be more likely to send a Democrat to Congress. Twelve self-described non-African American voters argued in a lawsuit that the new mostly Black district constitutes illegal “textbook racial gerrymandering.” |
Panthers trade up into first round of NFL draft, select WR Xavier Legette from South CarolinaAverage longTiger Woods' son Charlie shoots +9 in US Open qualifying as 15Americans react to Walmart axing selfScotland's underMore doctors can prescribe a leading addiction treatment. Why aren't more people getting help?South Korean police raid office of incoming head of doctors' group over protracted strikesKenya Airways accuses Congo military of holding its staff since last week over cargo issuesMore doctors can prescribe a leading addiction treatment. Why aren't more people getting help?What to expect in New York's special congressional election