Caddo Parish Commission fails to adopt resolution opposing state congressional redistricting

Commissioner Stefan Jones introduced a resolution opposing the Louisiana Legislature’s recently proposed redrawing of U.S. congressional districts. Proponents said the maps would reduce representation for communities of color and inject partisan division into local politics, while opponents argued the commission lacked the necessary votes.

“There's a national trend ... to set back many of the gains people of color have enjoyed,” the resolution’s sponsor said, urging the commission to send a message to Baton Rouge. Commissioner Rob Burrell described the change as an act that could cause long-term harm to affected communities and urged action to defend representational fairness.

The motion received six votes in support and four opposed, but the resolution required seven votes to pass and therefore failed. Several commissioners who supported the measure said they would sign a separate formal letter of opposition in their individual capacities.