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The US Supreme Court overturned a Louisiana congressional voting map, adding a new wrinkle to the multi-state fake warCalMatters’ Nigel Duara and Maya S. Miller report.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier federal district court ruling tossing out a 2024 voting map that was redrawn to give Louisiana a second majority-black district. In a 6-3 decision, the conservative court ruled that the map “is an unconstitutional gerrymander.”
The decision likely won’t affect California’s recent Proposition 50 redistricting. But it could nullify the gains Democrats could make through Proposition 50 when it comes to the final number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
That’s because the ruling could encourage Republican-led states to draw new congressional boundaries that would give the GOP an edge: Hours after the court handed down its decision, Republicans in Florida moved quickly to approve a card that could give the GOP four more seats in the House.
In her dissent, Justice Elena Kagan said the ruling’s implications make a provision of the Voting Rights Act — which ensures that minority groups are fairly represented on ballots — “all but a dead letter.”
Top California Democrats also criticized the move. Gov. Gavin Newsom called the decision “outrageous.” In a statement, Rusty Hicks, chairman of the California Democratic Party, said that “President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court is doing everything it can to silence voices in our democracy.”
Meanwhile, conservatives and the Trump administration celebrated the news. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, called it “a complete and utter victory for the American voters.”
- Chris Chaucersenior attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation: “The very idea of … having a candidate of their choice is antithetical to democracy. Voting is an individual right, not a group right.”
The CalMatters Festival of Ideas brings together politicians, journalists and community leaders for conversations about the issues shaping California, including a main stage discussion with The Lincoln Project. Join us on May 21st in Sacramento. Buying tickets before the early bird prices expire on May 4th.
Other stories you should know
See who’s running for lieutenant governor
Although the role of California’s lieutenant governor is largely symbolic, the person who holds the position serves as a board member of the state’s system of higher education and is next in command if the governor vacates the office, is out of state, or is otherwise unable to fulfill his duties.
Among more than a dozen candidates, Nadia Lathan of CalMatters takes a look at the top five candidates to learn more about what they would do if elected.
- Josh Friday, Democrat: A current member of Newsom’s cabinet, who has the governor’s endorsement, Friday said one of his top priorities will be getting California colleges to accredit more trade workers to help build more clean energy projects.
- Janelle Kelman, Democrat: Sausalito’s former mayor says he wants to make community college free and expand job training programs.
- Fiona Ma, Democrat: Backed by the California Democratic Party, Ma says she supports more partnerships with private companies to lease space at California state universities to help generate revenue.
- Gloria Romero, Republican: The former Democrat supports school vouchers, which allow parents to use taxpayer dollars to pay for private education, and cutting remedial courses to help lower tuition costs.
- Michael Tubbs, Democrat: The former Stockton mayor said he would support a tuition freeze at state colleges, reducing “administrative bloat” and making programs for in-demand industries like nursing more efficient.
Trying to help green card holders get small business loans
From CalMatters economics reporter Levi Sumagasai:
This week, members of Congress introduced federal legislation to repeal Trump administration policies that bar green card holders from receiving Small Business Administration loans.
CalMatters reported last month that more than 220,000 California permanent legal residents may be affected by the new SBA policies. This can hinder business creation and growth in a country where about 40% of the business community is made up of immigrants.
The SBA said the changes affecting green card holders, which took effect in March and April, are part of the administration’s goal to “ensure more American citizens have access to financing.”
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, Democrat of Massachusetts, said in introducing his bill that SBA lending has fallen 32% since the SBA began rolling back Biden-era policies last summer.
- US Representative Latefa Simon from the Bay Area, at the press conference: “Our cities are built and sustained every day by immigrants… We need to expand opportunity, not limit it.”
And finally: San Diego County is stepping in for the arts
After San Diego’s mayor released a city budget plan that domestic art fundingSan Diego County leaders unveiled a proposal Wednesday to spend up to $2.75 million on arts programs in the county’s cities. The grant program will include money to make creative spaces more accessible and support an existing black arts and culture district. Read more by Deborah Brennan of CalMatters.
California voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: The Supreme Court ruling gives California Democratic leaders another reason to scrap the redistricting commission, while Republicans can argue that California’s latest maps are unconstitutional under the court’s new standard.
CalMatters contributor Jim Newton: The memoir of Spencer Pratt, a reality star and Los Angeles mayoral candidate, reveals a man who squandered his earnings, compromised his principles and blames others for his failures.
ADHD in adults is rarely discussed and often misunderstood, but recognizing how people can have different ways of thinking is essential to building stronger institutions, writes Ronald Gonzalez-Lawrencedirector of government relations for the Pomona Unified School District.
Other things worth your time:
The congressman is investigating on the Trump administration’s involvement in CA dam removal // San Francisco Chronicle
Assembly leaders redefine role of state superintendent, requires more oversight // EdSource
Why Tesla makes sure CA can’t get rid of Elon // A politician
The board will not censure Shasta’s election official despite investigation findings of threats of violence against staff // Shasta Scout
What the SF cops said during a chaotic ICE arrest at SFO // The San Francisco Standard
The judge confirms the identity to FBI key informant in ex-Oakland mayor corruption case // KQED
California high-speed rail plan ‘lacks transparency’ on Central Valley station changes, LAO says // The Fresno Bee
Add a $1 billion variance for high-speed rail in California to the legacy of Cesar Chavez // The San Francisco Chronicle
Will the cameras actually limit speeding in LA? SF offers trail // Los Angeles Times
