Statement from URGE on Supreme Court’s ruling on Louisiana v. Callais

In response, Daniela Ocho Diaz, Senior Federal Policy and Advocacy Director, of URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, said

“Today’s ruling furthers the erosion of hard-won rights and advances a dangerous roadmap that represents an extremist agenda rooted in suppressing marginalized and vulnerable communities. The decision makes it easier for politicians to draw maps that protect themselves and harder for voters—especially Black voters—to hold them accountable. Ultimately, making it harder to challenge racial discrimination in both redistricting and voting.”

“Across the country, we are already seeing mid-cycle redistricting and aggressive gerrymandering designed to weaken the political power of the people it’s supposed to serve. One thing remains clear: our voices and our communities are powerful, and those seeking to silence us know it. This desperate move to silence us will not keep us out of the voting booths. They know that when communities have representation, their grip on power is threatened.”

“URGE’s Integrated Voter Engagement program is already mobilizing young people across our investment states–organizing around election protection in Texas, turning out voters in Ohio, and canvassing in Alabama. We know that the voices politicians work hardest to suppress are often the most powerful. That’s why we remain committed to centering Black, LGBTQIA+, Hispanic, and other marginalized communities.”

“While this ruling will have lasting harmful impacts to our democracy nationwide, our work is grounded in community care. When the courts fail us and when politicians ignore us, we vote and we care for each other. That is what URGE will continue to do: vote, organize in our communities, protect one another and build power together. We will fight back, push back, and refuse to be silenced.”