Louisiana Congressional Primary Elections Suspension Challenge (NCJW)

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 National Council of Jewish Women and Louisiana voters filed a lawsuit against Governor Jeff Landry (R) and 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 unlawful 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 the executive order violates the Louisiana Constitution’s separation of powers principles. They are asking the court to block the executive order and require the elections to proceed as scheduled under the existing map.

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 6, 2026: Hearing scheduled.
• May 1, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their emergency petition. The court denied the request for a temporary restraining order. Louisiana must show cause on May 6 why a preliminary injunction should not be ordered.