Rep. Garret Graves, a Republican from Louisiana, announced on June 14, 2024 that he will not seek reelection to Congress after the Supreme Court allowed the state to use a new congressional map in this year's elections. The map significantly altered Graves' district and made it more Democratic.
Graves had initially indicated that he would run for reelection, but after much consultation with constituents, supporters, family, and guidance from his faith, he decided against it. He expressed concern that running in any temporary district would cause permanent damage to Louisiana's representation in Congress.
The new map was created after a long legal battle over congressional lines in Louisiana. The US Supreme Court allowed the state to use the new map despite concerns that it likely violated the Voting Rights Act. Under this map, Graves' 6th Congressional District was redrawn into Louisiana's second Black-majority district, which is expected to be won by Democrats.
Graves had previously been a close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and played a lead role in negotiating the May 2023 deal to avoid a default on US debt. He was also targeted for not endorsing Gov. Jeff Landry in last year's election.
Graves' decision leaves two Democrats, state Sen. Cleo Fields and social justice activist Quentin Anthony Anderson, running for the 6th District seat in November.