Louisiana Congressional Primary Elections Suspension Challenge (Bernard)
Bernard v. Landry
A pro-voting lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s decision to suspend its 2026 congressional primary elections following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais.
Background
The League of Women Voters of Louisiana and voters filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Nancy Landry (R), challenging the state’s decision to delay the 2026 congressional primary elections. On April 29, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Louisiana v. Callais, striking down Louisiana’s congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. According to the complaint, Louisiana officials responded by declaring a state of emergency and issuing an executive order suspending the U.S. House primaries to give lawmakers time to redraw the congressional map. The suspension occurred while absentee voting was already underway and just days before early in-person voting was set to begin. Plaintiffs argue that the executive order unlawfully burdens the fundamental right to vote protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments and violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. They are asking the court to block the executive order and ensure all ballots already cast are counted.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit comes as GOP-led states rush to redraw their maps ahead of the 2026 midterms following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais. If Louisiana is allowed to redraw its congressional map before the midterms, Republicans could potentially secure up to two more red seats.
Latest Updates
- May 7, 2026: Secretary Landry filed a motion to dismiss this case, or in the alternative, transfer it to the Western District.
- May 4, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.