The term “gerrymandering” has been tossed around a lot this election cycle as officials on both sides of the aisle seek to establish new congressional districts that put their respective candidates in the best electoral position.
And even though the US Supreme Court’s recent interpretation of the Voting Rights Act ostensibly provided further protection against race-based claims against those redrawn districts, a court in Alabama nevertheless struck down that state’s proposed map.
The Hill provided this report:
It means Alabama cannot use its design this year unless Republican leaders appeal directly to the Supreme Court and succeed.
ADVERTISEMENT“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,” the ruling reads.
“And under the unusual circumstances of this case, we conclude that a limited order requiring the Secretary to continue using this Court’s race-blind map will not disrupt Alabama’s elections,” it continued.
Under federal law, constitutional redistricting cases proceed before a special three-judge panel.
Tuesday’s panel included U.S. Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus, an appointee of former President Clinton, along with U.S. District Judges Anna Manasco and Terry Moorer, who were both appointed by President Trump.
Their ruling forces Alabama to instead use a court-ordered map that added a second-majority Black district. It paved the way for the election of Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures.
The setback fueled some social media discussion:
It is not going to stand. Republicans should take advantage and go 7-0!
The democrat judges FAFO!— Dani (@DanielEHernand7) May 26, 2026
But that would be illegal and go against SCOTUS ruling. This federal court will get struck for the very same reason Louisiana got struck down for.
— Mr. Ed (@MrEddieTarazona) May 26, 2026
“Potentially blocking”
The Supreme Court will over turn this order in 3..2..1— Christina R (@CR07100710) May 26, 2026
CNBC added these details:
A panel of federal judges blocked Alabama from using Republican-supported congressional district maps that would dilute the votes of Black people in November’s midterm elections.
The ruling sets the stage for the Supreme Court to determine whether the maps can be used by Alabama in 2026.
Republicans, who have a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, have been heartened in recent weeks by a Supreme Court ruling related to the drawing of congressional districts.
Here’s a recap of the Supreme Court ruling at the core of this debate:
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