Janai S. Nelson

Rule Changes

Lost Callais at the Supreme Court; motion to recall judgment denied May 6; calling for congressional action and voter mobilization

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on April 29, 2026, in Louisiana v. Callais. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the main federal tool minority voters have used for four decades to challenge racially discriminatory maps, now requires plaintiffs to prove intentional discrimination before courts can order a remedy.

Updated May 31

Rule Changes

Lead counsel defending Louisiana's second majority-Black district before Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is one decision away from gutting what remains of the Voting Rights Act. A pending ruling in Louisiana v. Callais could eliminate at least 15 House seats currently held by Black members of Congress—the largest-ever single decline in Black representation. The case turns on whether states can consider race when drawing districts to prevent vote dilution, with the Court's conservative majority signaling they view such efforts as unconstitutional discrimination against white voters.

Updated May 19