Alabama lawmakers approve new US House primary, if courts allow it

Key Points:

• A Virginia court invalidated a Democratic gerrymandering effort, and Alabama Republicans approved legislation for new primary elections if GOP-drawn districts are used, marking a significant win for Republicans in the national redistricting battle ahead of the 2024 midterms.
• Alabama's new law, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, could override May primary results and force new primaries under revised districts, potentially undermining Black-majority districts and drawing criticism comparing it to Jim Crow-era tactics.
• The Virginia Supreme Court struck down a redistricting amendment due to procedural violations, specifically the timing of legislative approval during early voting, halting Democrats' hopes to gain additional U.S. House seats there.
• In Louisiana and South Carolina, Republican lawmakers are pursuing redistricting plans that could reduce Black voting power and challenge Democratic incumbents, facing strong opposition from civil rights activists and Democrats.
• Tennessee's new congressional map, which splits a Black-majority Democratic district, has led to a lawsuit seeking to delay its use in elections due to the compressed timeline, illustrating ongoing legal battles over redistricting nationwide.