Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday she will convene a special legislative session to redraw the state’s congressional districts following a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down race-based redistricting.
The decision comes days after the nation’s highest court ruled 6-3 that Louisiana’s second majority-black congressional district violated constitutional principles. Alabama’s Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State Wes Allen filed emergency motions Thursday to lift existing injunctions on three state redistricting cases.
What Prompted the Action
Marshall stated the state now has an opportunity to defend new maps in line with recent Supreme Court precedent. “For years, the courts have conflated an examination what I would describe as black and white instead of red and blue,” Marshall said.
Republicans currently hold five of Alabama’s seven congressional seats, down from six after a court-ordered creation of a second majority-black district last year. The special session will begin Monday and Ivey aims to complete it within five days.
The Legislative Response
Ivey said she called the session to address legislation enabling a special primary election for affected U.S. House and state Senate districts. “During this special session, I have called on the Legislature to address legislation to provide for a special primary election for electing members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Alabama State Senate in districts whose boundary lines are altered by court action,” she said.
Alabama’s May 19 primary election remains scheduled as planned, according to state officials. The state has maintained its congressional representation following the 2020 census.
What This Means
The Supreme Court’s ruling prohibits districts from being drawn based on race, even to create representation for minority communities. Alabama’s black population comprises roughly 25 percent of the state but previously did not translate to proportional congressional representation.
Ivey acknowledged Alabama’s redistricting battle remains ongoing and the state continues operating under a court order. She expressed hope for a favorable outcome from the Supreme Court regarding Alabama’s pending litigation.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Team contributed to this report.