Louisiana Dem Gov. Edwards Could Call Special Session to Redraw Congressional Map

The state of Louisiana has until Jan. 15 to enact a new congressional map — which means Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards might have to call a special session to redraw the map before the deadline.

The ruling came from a lower court in New Orleans as the current map, which was used for the recent November congressional elections, includes white majorities in five of six state districts, according to the Associated Press.

Edwards has until Jan. 8 to call the session and redraw the political boundaries — a week before the court deadline, since that's when Republican Gov.-elect Jeff Landry will take office.

The redrawing of the state's congressional maps has been a point of contention in Louisiana, as Edwards first vetoed state maps after civil rights groups in Louisiana filed a complaint. Republican lawmakers then overrode that veto.

The state then appealed to the Supreme Court, but the appeal was denied.

If both Edwards and Landry fail to draw and approve new maps by the Jan. 15 deadline, the lower district court will then go to trial to decide on a plan for the 2024 elections.