Alabama Republicans look to set new US House primaries if courts allow redistricting
Summary
Alabama lawmakers may change the state’s congressional primary rules if courts allow new voting district maps drawn by Republicans. These new maps could reduce the number of majority-Black districts, affecting elections ahead of the November midterms.Key Facts
- Alabama lawmakers are voting on a plan to change U.S. House primary elections if court rulings permit new district maps.
- The plan follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for minority voters under the Voting Rights Act.
- Republicans want to use a 2023 district map that would lower Black voter percentages in a key district from about 48% to 39%.
- Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures won his seat from a majority-Black district created under Voting Rights Act protections.
- The Alabama House passed the legislation on a party-line vote, and the Senate is considering it.
- If approved, some current May 19 primaries would be canceled and new primaries scheduled under the new district lines.
- This move is part of a wider redistricting fight in Southern states, with Republicans aiming to gain more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms.
- Republicans believe court opinions may have shifted after the Supreme Court’s ruling in a similar Louisiana case, potentially allowing these new maps.
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