NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal judges who recently threw out a congressional election map giving Louisiana a second mostly Black district said Tuesday the state Legislature must pass a new map by June 3 or face having the panel impose one on the state.
The order from a panel of two federal district judges and an appellate judge noted that they would begin work on a remedial plan while giving lawmakers a chance to come up with a plan.
State lawmakers are meeting in Baton Rouge in a regular session that will end by June 3.
“To be clear, the fact that the Court is proceeding with the remedial phase of this case does not foreclose the Louisiana Legislature from exercising its ‘sovereign interest’ by drawing a legally compliant map,” the judges wrote.
Whatever comes out of the court could impact the makeup of the next U.S. Congress. Given voting patterns, a new mostly Black district would give Democrats the chance to capture another House seat. The map that was recently tossed converted District 6, represented by Republican Rep. Garret Graves, into a mostly Black district. Democratic state Sen. Cleo Fields, a former congressman who is Black, had said he would run for the seat.
Officials from central government, HKSAR refute Western media reports on Article 23
Japan offers $20m to IAEA during agency's head visit
Wang calls for greater solidarity
Stormy Daniels admits she hates Trump: Porn star reads his posts calling her 'horseface' in court
China's courts successfully serve and protect innovation
China welcomes Hungary's visa facilitation measures: FM spokesperson
Xi congratulates Putin on reelection as Russian president
Ancelotti keeps Lunin in goal for Madrid in 2nd leg of Champions League semifinal against Bayern
Boy Scouts of America changing name to more inclusive Scouting America after years of woes
Peaceful principles playing key role in intl relations, FM says