Supreme Court Allows Alabama to Use GOP-Favored Congressional Map
7 verified4 unconfirmed
The Supreme Court on Tuesday voted 6-3 along ideological lines to allow Alabama to use a congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts. The map, drawn by Republicans in 2023, had been blocked by a lower court that twice found it constituted intentional race-based discrimination. The high court’s unsigned order cited its recent Louisiana voting rights ruling, which weakened the Voting Rights Act, as grounds to let the map take effect. Under the new map, Alabama’s seven congressional seats are expected to split 6-1 in favor of Republicans, and Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures is likely to lose his seat. A special primary election for the affected districts has been scheduled for Aug. 11. Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, joined by the court’s two other liberal justices, arguing the decision disregards democratic values and the rule of law.
What’s verified
The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to allow Alabama to use a congressional map that eliminates one of two majority-Black districts.
The map, drawn by Republicans in 2023, creates one majority-Black district out of seven and favors Republicans by a projected 6-1 margin.
Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures is likely to lose his seat under the new map.
A three-judge lower court panel had found the map intentionally discriminated against Black voters.
The Supreme Court cited its recent Louisiana voting rights ruling as the basis for allowing the map.
A special primary for affected districts is scheduled for Aug. 11.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, joined by the two other liberal justices.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that the lower court cited “zero evidence” that mapmakers were motivated by partisan goals or incumbent protection.
One source reported that absentee balloting had already begun using the court-drawn map before the Supreme Court order.
One source reported that Alabama Governor Kay Ivey cancelled elections and rescheduled special primaries.
One source reported that President Trump demanded Texas redraw its map to favor Republicans, sparking a wave of mid-decade redistricting.
Key figures
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Rep. Shomari Figures
Sources: CBS News, NPR, NBC News
