The Supreme Court is taking up a case that could have a major impact on congressional districts and the balance of power in the House of Representatives. The case focuses on Louisiana, where a second Black-majority district was created to ensure Black voters had a fair chance to elect a candidate of their choice. Now, the state’s Republican leaders, backed by the Trump administration, are asking the court to strike down that district, arguing that race should not guide redistricting decisions.

During recent hearings, six conservative justices signaled they might be open to limiting the use of race in drawing districts. They suggested that state lawmakers could focus on political or partisan considerations instead. Meanwhile, the court’s three liberal justices appeared to support maintaining protections under the Voting Rights Act, which has helped ensure minority communities have representation in Congress.

Experts warn that a ruling against race-based redistricting could have far-reaching consequences. Harvard law professor Nicholas Stephanopoulous noted that such a decision could allow Republican-controlled states to redraw districts in ways that make it harder for Black Democrats to win elections. This could affect not just Louisiana, but several other states across the South, especially with the 2026 midterm elections approaching.

The Voting Rights Act, first passed in 1965 and updated in 1982, was designed to protect minority voters from discrimination and to make sure they had an equal chance to participate in elections. Over the decades, courts and the Justice Department have used it to guide states in creating districts where Black voters could elect candidates of their choice.

Now, decades later, the Supreme Court may be asked to reconsider how much influence race can have in redistricting. The decision could reshape representation in Congress and have a lasting impact on American politics.