Federal Appeals Court Blocks Alabama Redistricting Plan

<p>A federal appeals court blocked a proposed Alabama congressional map on May 26, 2026, affecting the state's redistricting efforts ahead of the midterm elections. The map was designed to favor the Republican Party.</p><p>Alabama Republicans aimed to implement a previously blocked 2023 congressional map following a Supreme Court ruling that limited the use of race in drawing electoral districts. This map would have resulted in the elimination of a Black-majority seat held by Democrats in southeastern Alabama, allowing Republicans to gain one electoral seat.</p><p>However, a three-judge panel ruled that Republicans must continue using a map that includes two majority Black districts where Democrats hold significant advantages. The judges stated, "Ultimately, we cannot see our way clear to requiring Alabamians to cast their votes in the 2026 elections under a districting plan tainted by intentional race-based discrimination." They described the 2023 Plan as "intentionally discriminatory." </p><p>Alabama Republicans are expected to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.</p><p>Rep. Shomari Figures, a Democrat from Alabama, expressed support for the panel's ruling, which may help him retain his Democratic-leaning seat. He stated, "I am pleased with the Court’s decision, but this case is still not over. Although we expected the Court to reach this decision given the overwhelming evidence, we fully expect the State to immediately appeal the decision to the Supreme Court." He added, "This is a significant step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go before this fight is settled."</p>