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Washington, United States – The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an emergency order allowing Alabama to use a Republican-backed congressional map in this year’s elections, despite a lower court’s ruling that the plan intentionally discriminates against Black voters. The map, adopted three years ago, creates only one majority-Black district out of the state’s seven congressional districts. By blocking the lower court’s prohibition on using the map in the 2026 elections, the unsigned order restores the disputed lines for the coming election cycle and enables Alabama to move forward with special primary elections planned for August. The three liberal justices dissented from the decision, which came one day before a key election deadline that Republican Governor Kay Ivey had already extended. Washington, United States – The order is part of a broader national fight over redistricting and control of the U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Associated Press reported that the ruling fits into a larger push by President Donald Trump and his allies to help Republicans protect their slim House majority in November. The decision matters beyond Alabama because it signals how courts may handle similar challenges to congressional maps in other states, as both major parties seek advantages in closely contested districts. By blocking the lower court’s finding of intentional discrimination from taking effect, the Supreme Court’s action underscores the high stakes and fast-moving legal battles around voting maps nationwide.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.