Republican Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry intends to postpone the six congressional primaries scheduled for May 16 so the state legislature can implement a new congressional map, four people with knowledge of the matter told MS NOW.
Landry could announce the decision as early as this week, two of the people said. The last-minute suspension follows a Supreme Court ruling Wednesday that Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Cleo Fields, unlawfully discriminated by race when it formed a second Black congressional district. Republicans stand to gain up to two House seats following the ruling.
The Washington Post first reported Landry’s plans, citing conversations the governor had with Republican House candidates.
It was unclear Thursday morning whether the governor would also try to move the Senate primaries and whether a postponement would affect Louisiana’s closed-primary system, which is new this cycle.
Landry’s press office did not respond to a request for comment. But on Thursday, he and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill released a joint statement in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, teeing up the governor for his announcement.
“Yesterday’s historic Supreme Court victory for Louisiana has an immediate consequence for the State,” said the statement, which was posted on X. “Accordingly, the State is currently enjoined from carrying out congressional elections under the current map. We are working together with the Legislature and the Secretary of State’s office to develop a path forward.”
The timing of the Supreme Court’s ruling presents complications for Louisiana officials: With the primary just over two weeks away, election officials have already sent ballots to overseas voters.
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