Republican Representative Garret Graves of Louisiana has announced that he will not seek reelection, citing the impracticality of running for Congress this year. This decision comes after a new congressional map was implemented, significantly shifting his district towards the Democratic side.
The US Supreme Court recently allowed Louisiana to use the new map for the upcoming elections, following a legal battle over the state's congressional lines. The new map, crafted by the GOP-controlled state Legislature, redraws Graves' 6th Congressional District into Louisiana's second Black-majority district, which leans Democratic.
Graves' announcement has implications for House Republicans, who are aiming to defend their slim majority in the chamber. Despite speculation that Graves might challenge a fellow Republican incumbent in a neighboring district, House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed all Republican incumbents in Louisiana, including Graves.
Graves' decision not to run for a different seat this year reflects his concern about potentially damaging Louisiana's representation in Congress. The congressman has faced opposition within his own party and has been a close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy expressed his appreciation for Graves, describing him as a loyal friend and a model of public service. Graves, who was first elected to Congress in 2014, succeeded fellow Republican Bill Cassidy in a district that has traditionally been a Republican stronghold.
With the redrawn district now leaning Democratic, Democratic state Sen. Cleo Fields is considered the front-runner in the upcoming jungle primary in November. Graves' decision not to seek reelection marks a significant development in Louisiana's political landscape.
