Chaos: Alabama prepares to eliminate majority-Black districts, while moving forward with elections it may annul

Key Points:

• Alabama lawmakers are convening an unprecedented special session to adopt a new congressional map that dilutes Black voters' power, aiming to give Republicans an advantage in the 2026 midterms following a recent Supreme Court ruling weakening the Voting Rights Act.
• Despite ongoing litigation and court orders requiring use of the current map, Alabama is seeking to revert to or create a more heavily gerrymandered map that could eliminate both majority-Black congressional districts, a move opposed by Black voters challenging the changes.
• The state will proceed with its May 19 primary election using the old map while awaiting court decisions, potentially leading to voter confusion and the need for a second vote if new maps are approved, echoing similar chaos unfolding in Louisiana.
• Republican leaders justify the redistricting effort as necessary to maximize GOP representation, with statements emphasizing the goal of securing seven Republican seats in Congress and eliminating Black-majority Democratic districts.
• The situation highlights intensified GOP efforts in Southern states to redraw districts following the Supreme Court's Callais decision, which raises the burden of proof for minority voters claiming unconstitutional vote dilution, threatening decades of minority political gains.