Story perspectives

Alabama AG Appeals Map Ruling; Governor Calls Redistricting Session

5/3/2026

Center

Marshall Seeks Reversal

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall petitioned the Supreme Court to vacate lower-court decision striking down the state’s 2023 congressional map.
The Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision narrowed the 1965 Voting Rights Act, expanding states’ latitude to redraw congressional districts.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced a Monday special session to prepare for court-ordered map changes.
Governor Bill Lee said redistricting must proceed, but he has not called a special session.

Right

Trump Endorses Map

President Donald Trump praised Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s redistricting plan, saying it would add a Republican seat and protect nation.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling striking down Louisiana’s congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill will work to redraw the map.
Ohio and Texas approved GOP maps while Democrats redrew California and Virginia for party.

Blindspot

Center coverage gave more weight to Alabama’s response, noting Governor Kay Ivey’s announced special session and Attorney General Steve Marshall’s petition to vacate the lower-court ruling.
Right coverage did not include those Alabama details, focusing instead on Tennessee, Louisiana and broader partisan map changes.

History

Historical Context

In 1962 the Supreme Court, in a 6-2 decision authored by Justice William J. Brennan, held that redistricting claims are justiciable under the Fourteenth Amendment, overturning Tennessee’s 1901 apportionment and establishing the “one person, one vote” standard. Subsequent cases such as Reynolds v. Sims (1964) forced states like Alabama to redraw maps, a precedent invoked in today’s Alabama and Tennessee redistricting lawsuits.

1 of 4

Marshall Seeks Reversal

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall petitioned the Supreme Court to vacate lower-court decision striking down the state’s 2023 congressional map.
The Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision narrowed the 1965 Voting Rights Act, expanding states’ latitude to redraw congressional districts.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced a Monday special session to prepare for court-ordered map changes.
Governor Bill Lee said redistricting must proceed, but he has not called a special session.

1 / 4