Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was completely redrawn in the newly passed congressional map is criticizing the Republican-controlled state legislature and Governor Landry for their support of the map. He said it could ultimately hurt the GOP’s status in the US House.
“This really is a flawed approach and I think it’s going to ultimately undermine Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House, and Steve Scalise as the Majority Leader. It was just a boneheaded move,” said Graves.
Graves, a Republican, said the legislature didn’t have to redraw the map to include a second Majority-Black district, with the potential to elect another Democrat. While he said Judge Shelly Dick made it clear she didn’t like the map passed in 2022, it was still making its way through the courts.
“She also has scheduled what’s called a merit’s trial, a trial to look at the merits of the existing map,” said Graves.
Graves said the new map also jeopardizes key committee appointments in DC for Louisiana, like the Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure. It’s a vital appointment for much-needed projects like the new Calcasieu River and Mississippi River Bridges. And more…
“Coastal Restoration, hurricane protection, flood control jurisdiction, jurisdiction over FEMA and disasters. Think about all the things we would have the opportunity for the first time ever to truly control the pen and fix,” said Graves.
Despite frustration over his district being redrawn Graves said he plans to run for his sixth term in Congress in the fall.
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