By Rep. Jasmine Crockett
https://crockett.house.gov/
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Crockett released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act:
“The Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais is another reminder that the fight for voting rights is far from over. Instead of strengthening our democracy, this ruling gives new life to efforts by MAGA Republicans to restrict the ballot and tilt the system in their favor.
Striking down a majority-Black district in Louisiana disregards both the letter and the purpose of the Voting Rights Act. Section 2 was enacted to confront a long and painful history of discrimination that denied Black Americans a fair voice in the political process. From Reconstruction to Jim Crow to the victories of the civil rights movement, the right to vote has never been freely given. It has been fought for, defended, and secured through sacrifice.
This decision undermines that legacy. It gives cover to tactics that have been used for generations to dilute Black voting strength and silence communities of color. We have seen this playbook before in states like Texas, where maps have been drawn to fracture Black communities and weaken their representation. That is not a coincidence. It is part of a broader effort to hold onto power by shutting people out.
The Court has a responsibility to uphold the Constitution and protect the fundamental rights of all Americans. When it fails, the consequences are real. This moment also makes clear that when there was an opportunity to reform and expand the Supreme Court, Congress should have acted. The cost of inaction is now evident, and communities across this country are paying the price.
The American people deserve a democracy where voters choose their representatives, not the other way around.
Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act. The struggle for voting rights has defined generations of this country’s history. It continues today, and we will not stop until every voter is fully and fairly represented.”
