Alabama asks Supreme Court to revive legislature’s congressional map
Tap title to read story
Montgomery, Alabama — Attorney General Steve Marshall on Wednesday filed emergency motions asking the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the state to use the Legislature’s 2023 congressional map following a ruling that changed the legal standard for racial gerrymandering. Marshall filed motions in Allen v. Singleton, Allen v. Milligan and Allen v. Caster, seeking reconsideration under the new standard.
State leaders acted one day after the Supreme Court rejected Louisiana’s map in a decision that requires proof of intentional racial discrimination; Governor Kay Ivey announced a special session Friday to consider new maps if the Court clears the way, and Secretary of State Wes Allen asked the justices to expedite review, while courts’ prior orders had installed a map creating a second majority-Black district used in recent elections.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Post-2020 Census: Alabama drew new congressional maps that prompted legal challenges.
- 2. Federal courts found the original map likely violated the Voting Rights Act and imposed a court-ordered map creating a second majority-Black district.
- 3. 2023: The Alabama Legislature adopted a new congressional map that was blocked by federal injunctions.
- 4. Early May 2026: The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Louisiana’s map in Louisiana v. Callais, tightening the standard for racial gerrymandering.
- 5. Following that decision, AG Steve Marshall filed emergency motions asking the Supreme Court to allow use of the 2023 map; Governor Ivey called a special session and the secretary of state sought expedited review.
Why it matters
This isn't just about Alabama. It's about voting rights and fair representation nationwide. If the Supreme Court allows Alabama's map, it could set a precedent for other states too. Keep an eye on this case. It could affect how your state draws its own maps.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
