Louisiana Congressional Map Debate Continues as Lawmakers Face Tight Deadline

Louisiana lawmakers are racing to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court ruled the current map unconstitutional. State Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter says lawmakers spent nearly nine hours hearing public testimony on the issue. He says emotions remain high, but lawmakers wanted everyone to have a chance to speak. Kleinpeter explained that drawing new districts is complicated because maps must meet strict population requirements while avoiding unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. Multiple map proposals could move through the process at the same time, including possible 5-1 or even 6-0 Republican maps. He also says lawmakers hope to avoid another special session, but that remains possible if Gov. Jeff Landry rejects the final proposals. The interview also touched on accusations surrounding comments made during committee hearings. Kleinpeter says several media outlets reviewed the audio and determined the claims were inaccurate.