Johnson Releases Statement on Louisiana v. Callais

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, dismantling a critical provision in the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, state Representative Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, released the following statement:

“Earlier this week, we heard the distressing news that the United States Supreme Court ruled against protecting Louisiana’s congressional maps, striking down the creation of a second-majority black congressional district. This is a serious blow to the federal Voting Rights Act, and it will have nationwide consequences.

“For the past 60 years, our nation has remained steadfast to the idea that every individual deserves to have a government that truly represents them—no matter their race or ethnicity. This ruling changes all of that, and people will no longer be assured that they are truly being represented in their government. 

“In Illinois, we’re not going to let this happen without protecting our own communities. That’s why last week, we enshrined critical protections into our State Constitution to ensure every individual is being represented in our government. Our people should not have to fear being disenfranchised based on their race.

“In our state, everyone has a voice, and while the federal government backslides on its promise to the American people, we will not. I know myself, and my colleagues, remain committed to ensuring that everyone has equal representation, no matter what is happening in the federal government.”