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Supreme Court Allows Alabama Redistricting, 6-3 Vote

5/12/2026

48 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On May 11 2026 the Supreme Court vacated district order and, via a 6-3 ruling, let Alabama seek approval for its 2023 map with majority-Black district, while Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.
Attorney General Steve Marshall and Solicitor General Barrett Bowdre asked Court to lift injunction for a primary should map change.
Republicans say the map could drop a Democratic seat and add GOP seat in Congress.

History

Historical Context

The 1965 Voting Rights Act required preclearance for jurisdictions with histories of discrimination, but the Supreme Court’s 5-4 June 25, 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, struck the coverage formula as outdated, ending oversight of states like Alabama. The 2026 6-3 ruling that revives Alabama’s 2023 map thus continues Shelby weakening of preclearance, raising concerns for minority voters.

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Story summary

On May 11 2026 the Supreme Court vacated district order and, via a 6-3 ruling, let Alabama seek approval for its 2023 map with majority-Black district, while Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.
Attorney General Steve Marshall and Solicitor General Barrett Bowdre asked Court to lift injunction for a primary should map change.
Republicans say the map could drop a Democratic seat and add GOP seat in Congress.

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