Alabama is working to fast-track a new redistricting map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. On Friday (May 8), the state filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to allow special primaries using the new map. This move follows a recent Supreme Court decision striking down Louisiana's map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

The Alabama legislation, signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey, is part of a broader effort by Republicans in Southern states to capitalize on the court's ruling. The new map aims to redraw congressional districts in a way that could benefit the GOP in the upcoming elections. If approved, the new map would ignore the May 19 primary results for some congressional seats and direct the governor to schedule a new primary under revised districts.

According to the Associated Press, tensions were high in the Alabama Statehouse, with Black lawmakers criticizing the legislation as reminiscent of the state's Jim Crow history. Demonstrators outside the Statehouse chanted for democracy and against white supremacy.

The special primary will only occur if the courts lift an injunction that put a court-selected map in place until after the 2030 census. This court order required a second district where Black voters are the majority, resulting in the election of Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures in 2024. If the injunction is lifted, Republicans hope to implement a map drawn in 2023, which was previously rejected by a federal court.

The Hill reports that Alabama's actions come on the same day the Virginia Supreme Court blocked a new voter-approved congressional map that Democrats had hoped would flip four Republican seats. This decision is part of a larger national redistricting battle, with both parties seeking an edge in the closely divided U.S. House.

Democracy Docket notes that the GOP's efforts could result in a gain of 16 to 18 districts nationwide. However, these redraws face legal challenges, and a Democratic wave in November could neutralize some of the GOP's advantages.