Court Blocks Alabama Map, Two Black Reps Elected

A federal three-judge panel has permanently blocked Alabama from using its 2023 congressional map, ruling that the Republican-controlled legislature intentionally discriminated against Black voters by failing to create a second Black-majority district in violation of the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. The court found the map unlawfully diluted Black voting strength and closely resembled a previously rejected version. As a result, a court-ordered map was used in the 2024 election, leading to the historic election of two Black representatives, Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures, from Alabama. The panel is considering placing Alabama under federal oversight for redistricting, a measure not used in the state since Shelby County v. Holder. Civil rights advocates and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder praised the decision as a significant victory for fair representation and democracy. The court strongly criticized Alabama's unprecedented defiance, stating it perpetuates the state's discriminatory history.