NIKOLE KILLION:
00:02:27
Well, I'm glad you asked because it does have significant political implications when we talk about these congressional maps. We did hear from Speaker Mike Johnson who, of course, is from Louisiana and called this the right result. But I do think we have to be careful about classifying this as a win or a loss for either side because it could have dramatic implications, not only when we talk about this particular map that was struck down in Louisiana-- which I have been to, by the way, and I would argue that in talking to some of the constituents there, those who pushed for this majority-Black district, most of whom were people of color, said that they felt it was important to have representation that looked like them, particularly in a state where African Americans make up a significant part of the population, up to a third of the population within that state. So that is why those who were in favor of creating this second Black-majority district, what they were pushing for in this case. But, obviously, this now has implications for, as I said, not just this district but other districts, particularly in the South, going forward, at a time where we are in a very contentious redistricting war between both Republicans and Democrats in a number of states. So I believe, as both Jan and Jessica mentioned, this could potentially open up the door now to other states trying to potentially redraw their maps where that redistricting war could really be on steroids, if you will, in light of this decision. Obviously, it's certainly possible that there will be an appeal here. But this does impact everyday voters who, in the case of some of these voters in Louisiana, simply wanted representation that looked like them, understood their needs within their respective communities. But, obviously, the Supreme Court's decision today kind of changes those dynamics. So we will see how Congress reacts, but, certainly, there is a lot of concern, particularly on the part of Democrats, that this significantly weakens the Voting Rights Act and could further potentially dilute the power of voters of color going forward. So certainly the implications likely to be wide reaching, Reed. Nikole, I cannot thank you enough for that context and especially your deep reporting with voters there in that district. I appreciate that so much, and we're going to make sure that that line of questioning is in our broadcast going forward. Nikole Killion, as always, brilliant reporting and context. Thank you so much.
