Alabama Redistricting Map Reverted After Supreme Court Ruling

The Alabama Legislature passed HB 1 and SB 1, restoring the 2023 congressional district map that contains only one majority‑Black district. Governor Kay Ivey signed the bills, asserting the state's right to draw its own districts. On May 11, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a lower‑court injunction that had required the creation of a second majority‑Black district in the Black Belt, effectively nullifying the court‑ordered map.

The change forces a split election schedule: local races will proceed on May 19, while congressional contests for the 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th districts are moved to a winner‑take‑all special primary on August 11. Democratic officials, including Rep. Terri Sewell and candidate Shomari Figures, warned that the timing disenfranchises voters who have already cast ballots. Critics say the shift dilutes Black Belt representation and creates logistical confusion for voters in Dallas County and surrounding areas.

State leaders and local officials expressed concerns about fairness and the impact on issues such as healthcare and infrastructure that are vital to the region.