The upcoming Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais could reshape the 2026 midterm elections by redefining how race factors into congressional redistricting. At issue is whether Louisiana’s creation of a second majority-Black district upholds the Voting Rights Act or violates the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees.

Plaintiffs call it unconstitutional racial gerrymandering; the state argues it ensures fair representation and compliance with federal law. A ruling limiting race-based mapmaking could endanger up to 19 Democratic-held districts nationwide, particularly in states like Alabama and Georgia. Legal scholars say the decision may redefine the balance between voting rights and racial considerations in redistricting. With the Court’s conservative majority, both parties are bracing for major political and strategic consequences ahead of the 2026 elections.