POLITICS

Southern states pursue new congressional primaries after ruling

PUBLISHED May 8, 2026, 12:52 AM ET

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Montgomery, Ala. — Alabama lawmakers on Friday approved legislation enabling new U.S. House primaries if courts permit the state to use different congressional districts, and the bill was sent to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey; the move followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision in a Louisiana case that changed Voting Rights Act enforcement and spurred regional redistricting activity. Lawmakers in Tennessee enacted new districts Thursday that alter a Black-majority Memphis seat, Louisiana postponed primaries as it redraws maps, and South Carolina considered moving its congressional primary to Aug. 11, 2026; civil-rights groups have filed lawsuits and state courts are reviewing plans, and officials face imminent filing and certification deadlines.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a Louisiana case altered Voting Rights Act enforcement.
Tennessee enacted new congressional districts that changed a Black-majority Memphis district (Thursday).
Louisiana postponed U.S. House primaries while lawmakers draft new maps.
South Carolina lawmakers proposed moving congressional primaries to August 11, 2026, with committee review scheduled.
Alabama lawmakers approved conditional legislation for new U.S. House primaries and sent it to Gov. Kay Ivey (Friday); lawsuits and court reviews followed.

News Intelligence

These redistricting moves could shift political power in your state. It may affect who represents you in Congress and the policies they prioritize. Keep an eye on your state's redistricting process and any changes to voting dates.

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Who Benefited

Republican state lawmakers and party strategists sought to benefit by pursuing revised congressional maps and adjusted primary timing that could improve their candidates' electoral prospects in targeted districts.

Who Impacted

Voters in minority communities and Democratic candidates faced potential dilution of voting strength, disrupted primary schedules, and increased legal uncertainty as states proposed and enacted new congressional maps.

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