Cleo Fields will not seek re-election to Congress after the Louisiana Legislature redrew his district to favor Republicans.
Cleo Fields announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election to his Louisiana congressional district following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the previous map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The high court decision in Louisiana v. Callais prompted state lawmakers to redraw the 6th District, shifting it from a Democratic stronghold to a seat that heavily favors Republicans. Fields stated that he will instead run for the unexpired term in the state Senate for the 14th District, a seat he previously held. The National Republican Congressional Committee has already targeted the newly redrawn district, noting that President Trump carried the area by 32.1 points in 2024. The administration's efforts to protect Republican seats have fueled a nationwide redistricting battle. While the previous map was designed to favor Black voters, the new lines cluster predominantly white communities in the Baton Rouge area. Fields expressed that his calling to serve the people is better suited for his home state than in Washington, D.C.