Federal Judges Block Alabama Congressional Map Favoring Republicans in Elections

On Tuesday, federal judges halted Alabama’s attempt to use a congressional map that could benefit Republicans in significant U.S. House races during the midterm elections. A three-judge panel, overseeing Alabama’s ongoing redistricting case, issued a preliminary injunction. This ruling prevents the state from using a new map, asserting that the plan, backed by Republicans, ‘intentionally discriminated based on race’ by having only one Black-majority district. The court mandated Alabama to use a court-ordered map for the 2024 elections, featuring two districts with either a Black-majority or nearly so.

The judges stated, ‘Ultimately, we cannot see our way clear to requiring Alabamians to cast their votes in the 2026 elections under a districting plan tainted by intentional race-based discrimination.’

This decision is a setback for Republicans aiming to utilize a map in the midterm elections that might help reclaim the seat of Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures. However, the state may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Figures expressed satisfaction with the ruling but anticipated an appeal, describing the decision as a positive step yet noting that the battle is ongoing.

The court order adds a new chapter to the intricate legal and political narrative following a U.S. Supreme Court decision. This ruling invalidated a Black-majority district in Louisiana, weakening the federal Voting Rights Act. Consequently, Republicans in several Southern states, including Alabama, have moved to redraw voting districts that heavily favor Democrats.

The redistricting activities are part of a larger initiative led by former President Donald Trump to maintain Republicans’ narrow House majority in the upcoming elections. The Alabama court conflict has a historical context. In 2023, a three-judge panel concluded that a map crafted by Republican lawmakers diminished the voting strength of Black people. The court dictated the need for two districts with a majority of Black voters or close to it. This court-approved map was used in 2024.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in the Louisiana case, Alabama sought to implement the state-created map from 2023. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority agreed to lift the injunction on this map, sending the case back to the three-judge panel for further review considering the Louisiana ruling. Meanwhile, Governor Kay Ivey scheduled special primaries using the new map for August 11.

Upon re-evaluation, the panel found clear evidence of racial discrimination. It stated that the special congressional primaries should proceed with the previously approved court districts. The temporary block on the map change came after a seven-hour hearing where judges questioned state lawyers about the timeline and effects of the Louisiana decision.

The use of the same districts as in the previous election would avoid a ‘costly, complex, and potentially unfeasible voter reassignment process,’ as pointed out by the judges. They remarked that ‘confusion among candidates and voters is problematic and requires careful consideration.’ However, they believe a preliminary injunction would reduce such confusion, not worsen it.

Deuel Ross, litigation director for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, commented that the ruling ‘again vindicated the constitutional rights of voters in the Black Belt,’ and expressed anticipation of fair voting opportunities this fall.

Several states are also recalibrating their primary elections due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s actions affecting the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana postponed its congressional primaries originally set for May 16, with Republican Governor Jeff Landry allowing lawmakers to redesign the U.S. House map, potentially removing a Black-majority district.

In South Carolina, the Republican-majority legislature is contemplating a plan to nullify votes from its June 9 congressional primary, proposing a new primary in August under revised districts possibly enhancing Republican opportunities to gain seats. Tennessee swiftly redesigned U.S. House districts after the Supreme Court’s decision, which included splitting a Black-majority district in Memphis, threatening the state’s lone Democratic representative. The new map opens the possibility for Republicans to capture all nine state seats. As part of these changes, Tennessee temporarily reopened candidate qualifying for its August congressional primaries, enabling new entries and allowing current candidates to modify districts or withdraw.

Since Trump encouraged Texas to redraw its congressional districts last summer, several Republican-led states have changed voting districts, though legal challenges persist. Democrats have countered with new districts in California and expect to gain a seat through court-mandated changes in Utah.