Federal Judges Block Alabama’s New Congressional Map

Federal judges have stopped Alabama from using a new congressional map. The map could have given Republicans an edge in a key U.S. House race. A three-judge panel issued a preliminary injunction, stating the plan discriminated based on race. It included only one Black-majority district.

The judges mandated Alabama to continue using a previously court-ordered map for the 2024 elections. This map includes two districts where Black residents form a majority or are close to it. The judges stated they couldn’t allow a plan marked by race-based discrimination for future elections.

This ruling is a setback for Republicans. They wanted to use a map for the midterms to try to win back a seat held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures. While Figures welcomed the ruling, he anticipates an appeal. “This is a significant step, but the fight is not over,” he noted.

A judge panel previously found Alabama’s new map diluted Black voting power. They insisted on having two districts with a Black majority.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in a Louisiana case also impacted Alabama’s decision. Alabama tried to implement a new state-drawn map. The Supreme Court lifted an initial injunction but sent the case back for reconsideration. Following a seven-hour hearing, the panel cited evidence of intentional racial discrimination, keeping the old map in place for primaries.

Judges noted using current districts would avoid costly and chaotic voter reassignment. They believed an injunction would reduce confusion, not increase it. Deuel Ross from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund stated the ruling upheld Black voters’ rights.

Other states are adjusting primary schedules due to similar issues post the Supreme Court’s ruling. In Louisiana, primaries were delayed to rethink the congressional map. South Carolina and Tennessee have made or are considering changes benefiting Republicans.

Since last summer, Republican-led states have enacted new voting districts. Legal challenges are ongoing. Meanwhile, Democrats are making moves in states like California and Utah.