The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for Alabama to advance its congressional redistricting effort, which could shift Republican control in two districts currently held by Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In a 6-3 decision, the Court overturned a lower court ruling that had required Alabama’s congressional map to include two majority-Black districts. The areas represented by Democratic Reps. Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures may now be reshaped under new boundaries.
The ruling follows the Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which prohibited racial gerrymandering and has prompted multiple states to reevaluate congressional district lines.
Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the Alabama redistricting order.
The Supreme Court directed a lower court to reconsider the Alabama case in light of the Louisiana ruling.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently stated that her administration would act swiftly if courts rule in favor of redistricting. State officials now plan to revert to congressional maps approved by the Legislature in 2023 and state Senate maps drawn in 2021.
Alabama’s May 19 primary election is scheduled as usual, though under a recent state law, Governor Ivey could call special elections after the primary if redistricting alters district boundaries.
The state is among several jurisdictions seeking to redraw congressional maps ahead of November’s midterms as both major parties compete for dominance in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans may gain up to 14 additional seats through redistricting efforts in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, and Tennessee, while Democrats could secure several gains via new maps in California and Utah.
