Exclusive: Kamala Harris takes the redistricting fight to Louisiana

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to New Orleans later this summer as Democrats confront a Supreme Court ruling that could sharply reduce Black representation in Congress, a person close to her first told Axios.

• Harris has slammed the court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling as "backdooring racism through politics."

Why it matters: Harris' moves are the latest sign she's inching toward a presidential run in 2028, and courting Black voters as she lays the groundwork for a campaign.

• Black voters have been a powerful voting bloc in recent Democratic presidential primaries, and 2028 primary polls show Harris is currently leading other contenders among the critical constituency.

Driving the news: Harris, who has publicly acknowledged that she's thinking about running for the White House for a third time, will be the keynote speaker at the Louisiana Democratic Party's fundraiser gala on Aug. 7.

• Harris is planning to "outline what she believes Democrats must do to counteract the decision's impact, both in this year's midterm elections and in the years ahead," the source close to her said.

The big picture: The court's decision has allowed states to redraw their congressional maps to dilute majority Black districts and could result in fewer Black House members from the South.

• Harris has been speaking privately to federal and state legislators affected by the Supreme Court's decision, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Louisiana Reps. Troy Carter and Cleo Fields were among them.
• Harris also recently participated in organizing calls hosted by liberal groups Emerge and Win with Black Women.

Flashback: This will mark Harris' second visit to Louisiana in recent months. She was there in January for a book tour event and the swearing-in of New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno.