“Elections are not political chess pieces.” With that warning from State Rep. Kyle Green Jr., members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus urged voters to continue participating in the congressional election now facing legal efforts that could suspend or alter the process.
“Don’t let them tell you just because the elections are suspended, you should stay home. You go out and vote,” said Rep. Edmond Jordan (D-Baton Rouge).
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruled that Louisiana’s current congressional map is unconstitutional and race played too large a factor in drawing the map to ensure it had two majority-Black districts. In response, Landry issued an executive order suspending the election.
On Monday, (May 4) leaders from the Caucus, held a news conference at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge announcing it has filed a lawsuit in the 19th Judicial District against Landry.
“The idea that the congressional election in Louisiana can be suspended while the process is already underway is not just legally questionable. But it cuts against the very principle of equality,” said Green (D-Jefferson) who chairs the Democratic Caucus.
“You don’t get to start the game, see how it’s going, and then flip the board when it’s over,” he said.
Jordan placed the dispute in a broader historical context, pointing to Louisiana’s post-Reconstruction period. From 1868 to the 1900s, “we went from 42 Black legislators to zero,” he said. “Now, they want to take the two African American representatives, (Congressmen) Troy Carter and Cleo Fields…and then what’s next?”
Jordan pointed to current bills in the legislature that attempt to remove a Black clerk of court and Black judges in New Orleans. He said the current legal fight reflects a longer pattern of political exclusion.
“This is wrong,” Fields said and confirmed the pattern. “Louisiana went a total of 150 years without a single African American in Congress…This seat is (designed) so that a person who looks like me will have an opportunity to serve in congress.”
Supporters of the legal challenges, however, say the court actions are necessary to resolve constitutional questions about how the election is being conducted. Despite the dispute, the lawmakers gathered said engagement remains essential despite uncertainty.
Senator Gerald Boudreaux described this moment as urgent, calling for immediate civic mobilization. He urged pastors, fraternities, sororities, and civic organizations to prioritize voter outreach above their planned activities in the days ahead. “It is a call to action,” he said.
“No cavalry is coming to save us, so we must save ourselves. How do we do that? We continue voting in these elections,” Jordan said.
The LLBC is involved in at least one court case and supports additional legal efforts in both state and federal courts. Last week, the ACLU, NAACP, League of Women Voters, National Council of Jewish Women – Greater New Orleans Section, and a coalition Democratic candidates and impacted voters filed separate lawsuits.
“The position of this caucus has been, but we can’t win through legislation, we will win through litigation, said Jordan, who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus.
What happens next
Voting continues statewide as legal proceedings move forward. Early voting ends Saturday, May 9. Election Day is May 16.
Lawmakers reminded voters that their ballots will list U.S. House candidates and they should vote the candidate of their choice despite the cancellation. Because Louisiana now has closed elections, voters will select ballots according to their party. “No Party” voters can select Republican, Democrat, or No-Party ballots.
A hearing for the Legislative Black Caucus case is scheduled for May 14 in the 19th Judicial District Court.
Lawmakers also pointed to possible redistricting-related hearings later this week, though schedules remain subject to change.
Fields will host a series of town halls for constituents.
The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will take public testimony on new congressional map proposals at 9 a.m. on May 8.
By Candace J. Semien, Jozef Syndicate reporter
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