“Better, Not Bitter:” Why a Newly Elected Lawmaker Fights On

According to the US Supreme Court Louisiana vs. Callais After the decision struck down Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, more than a dozen states redrew their congressional district maps. Ten managed to quickly impose novel lines.

The Louisiana state legislature has passed a novel map that redraws the majority-Black county seat currently held by Democrats Representative Cleo Fields from Baton Rouge. His voters were the focus Callis Decision.

Even though his district was redistricted to strengthen Republican ranks in Congress, Fields remains sanguine.

In Episode 32, Fields discusses why the fight for voting rights is not over.

Over in South Carolina, the White House put pressure on the state’s Republican-led legislature to pass a novel Republican-friendly map. If passed, it would have dissolved the district held by the state’s only Democratic representative.

Jessica Holdmansenior reporter of the South Carolina Daily Gazettewill explain what ultimately happened.

Finally, Evening wrapping Newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s seeing.

Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States, composed by David Singer.

Click Here for the full transcript.

Relevant reading from state newsrooms and partners:

• Litigation looms as the Louisiana Legislature approves a novel congressional map (Louisiana Illuminator)
• The attempt to redraw the SC’s voting lines fails given the record start to early voting (South Carolina Daily Gazette)
• Why AG Nick Brown wants the Supreme Court involved in WA’s redistribution battle (Washington State Standard)
• Voters’ votes: Granddaughter of murdered civil rights activist vows to fight redistricting effort (Mississippi today)
• NAACP seeks federal court injunction to stop Tennessee’s novel congressional map (Tennessee Lookout)

Do you have questions? An episode idea? Send us an email at Podcast@statesnewsroom.com