Louisiana Congressional Primary Elections Suspension Challenge

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

A Democratic candidate for Louisiana’s 5th congressional district and a voter filed a lawsuit against Governor Jeff Landry (R) and other Louisiana officials, 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, with over 100,000 ballots already mailed to voters by election officials and some cast. Plaintiffs argue the suspension violates the U.S. Constitution, the Louisiana constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. They are asking the court to block the executive order, ensure all ballots already cast are counted, 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 8, 2026: The court granted Louisiana’s motion to transfer this case to the Western District of Louisiana. The court also denied plaintiffs’ request to convene a 3 judge panel.
• May 3, 2026: U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields and 10 other federal candidates joined the lawsuit.
• May 1, 2026: Louisiana filed a motion to transfer the case to the Western District of Louisiana.
• Apr. 30, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.