Republican Rep. Garret Graves of Louisiana recently announced that he will not seek reelection after a new congressional map made his seat significantly Democratic. This decision comes after months of uncertainty and legal battles over the new district lines. The US Supreme Court allowed Louisiana to use the new map for the upcoming elections, which had been previously thrown out by a federal judge for potentially violating the Voting Rights Act.
Graves’ 6th Congressional District was redrawn into Louisiana’s second Black-majority district under the new lines crafted by the GOP-controlled state Legislature. This district would have been carried by Joe Biden by 20 points in 2020. As a result, Graves’ decision not to seek reelection will have implications for House Republicans as they try to defend their majority in the chamber. There had been speculation that Graves could challenge a fellow Republican incumbent in a neighboring district, but House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed all Republican incumbents in Louisiana, including Graves.
Graves’ announcement dealt a blow to House Republicans as he decided running for a different seat this year was not an option. He hinted at potential further legal challenges to the new map, citing concerns about damaging Louisiana’s representation in Congress. Graves has faced opposition from within his own party, both in Louisiana and Washington, notably from Republican governor Jeff Landry, who supported the new map. Graves also faced backlash for his support of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted from his leadership post in October.
Despite facing challenges within his party, Graves was praised by McCarthy in a social media post, with McCarthy describing him as a loyal friend who embodied the best of public service. Graves has been in Congress since 2014, succeeding fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. The 6th District, which includes parts of the Baton Rouge area, has traditionally been a Republican stronghold. However, the redrawn district now leans Democratic, with Democratic state Sen. Cleo Fields seen as the front-runner in the upcoming jungle primary in November.
The decision by Rep. Garret Graves to not seek reelection follows months of uncertainty and legal battles over congressional district lines in Louisiana. The new map, which significantly impacted Graves’ district, prompted his announcement. The implications of his decision will be felt by House Republicans as they seek to defend their majority in the upcoming elections. Graves’ departure from the race comes amidst challenges from within his party and potential legal challenges to the new map.
