Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is signaling skepticism toward arguments that the Voting Rights Act permits congressional districts to be drawn based on race, particularly when such efforts appear aimed at preserving Democratic control in Washington, D.C.
His questioning reflected a broader concern among conservatives on the Court that race-conscious districting undermines the principle of equal protection under the law and distorts the democratic process.
During an exchange on Wednesday with Louisiana Solicitor General Benjamin Aguinaga, who argued against race-based redistricting in his state, Thomas pointed out the inherent contradiction in the practice.
Thomas noted that the state’s proposed majority-Black congressional district wouldn’t even exist if officials weren’t being forced to factor race into the process.
“Would the maps that Louisiana have currently be used if they were not forced to consider race?” Thomas asked.
“We drew it because the courts told us to!” Aguinaga explained. “They said a majority black district was required. And our legislature saw the marching order.”
LISTEN:
? BREAKING: SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas takes a BLOW TORCH to Voting Rights Act districts that favor Democrats on the basis of race
Thomas successfully makes the point that the "black" district WOULD NOT EXIST in Louisiana without being forced to by the courts to consider… pic.twitter.com/zag6h3gk4Z
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 15, 2025
The smackdown from Justice Clarence Thomas comes as he marks 34 years on the Supreme Court — a remarkable milestone in a career that Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee once tried to destroy.
Mark Paoletta, who served in various roles during President Trump’s first term, noted how important Thomas’ appointment to the highest court in the land has been in preserving our founding principles:
34 YEARS AGO TODAY, JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS WAS CONFIRMED 52-48. It’s impossible to overstate how important Justice Thomas’ confirmation has been to the saving of our constitutional Republic.
The beginning of today’s Court started when Justice Thomas was confirmed 34 years ago… pic.twitter.com/z3YgW6g9i4
— Mark Paoletta (@MarkPaoletta) October 15, 2025
34 YEARS AGO TODAY, JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS WAS CONFIRMED 52-48. It’s impossible to overstate how important Justice Thomas’ confirmation has been to the saving of our constitutional Republic.
The beginning of today’s Court started when Justice Thomas was confirmed 34 years ago today after the Democrats launched an all-out war, complete with lies and smears, to not only defeat him, but to destroy him. But the Democrats failed spectacularly.
Justice Thomas has been unwavering in his jurisprudence for the past 34 years, and most of the Court’s signature decisions (Dobbs, Harvard, Bruen, Loper Bright, Casa, Medina, Skrmetti, Lucia, Jarkesy) are the result of Justice Thomas’s blazing the trail back to the Constitution’s original meaning.
The Democrats have continued to attack him with despicable lies and smears, and they have continued to fail in spectacular fashion.
Justice Thomas has lived the most inspiring American life.
Justice Thomas is an American hero and our nation’s greatest justice.
