Louisiana - 06 Rep. Garret Graves announces that he will not be seeking re-election in the fall of 2024.
Louisianans had to come up with a new map due to a supreme court decision in May. Governor Jeff Landy signed that map into law affecting his former political rival Graves.
Black voters have historically voted for Democrats, a map with two-majority Black districts could potentially add two seats. Winning the favor within a closely divided House of Representatives.
Louisiana's electoral map has been heavily contested in legal battles, resulting in the state's initial attempt being deemed a racial gerrymander. Under the Legislature's initial map, Republicans secured victory in five out of the six districts during the 2022 elections.
In regards to Graves decision he stated, "It is evident that a run in any temporary district will cause actual permanent damage to Louisiana's great representation in Congress," he continued by saying, "Campaigning in any of these districts now is not fair to any of the Louisianans who will inevitably be tossed into yet another district next year."
Graves decision not to seek re-election also stems from a decision not to unseat current congress woman Dr. Julia Letlow. Graves could have potentially run against Letlow by moving into the 5th district which includes much of metro Baton Rouge. Cleo Fields has announced he will seek the 6th district seat vacated by Graves.
Political analyst, Bernie Pinsonat doesn't think Graves will be hanging up his tennis shoes just yet as he says the 52- year old representative is just too young to give up.
