Alabama Splits Its Primaries After Supreme Court Greenlights Controversial Map; NAACP Calls It ‘One of the Worst’ Rulings Ever

Alabama Splits Its Primaries After Supreme Court Greenlights Controversial Map; NAACP Calls It ‘One of the Worst’ Rulings Ever

Alabama is now holding separate primary elections for four of its seven U.S. House districts, after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the state can use a voting map that was previously blocked by lower courts over concerns it dilutes the voting power of Black residents [147570].

The decision means Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, has delayed the primary in those four districts, pushing them to a different date from the other three districts [147625]. The new map, approved by the Supreme Court on Monday, includes only one district where Black voters form a majority [147625].

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson slammed the ruling, calling it “one of the worst” in the high court’s history, arguing the map reduces Black voters’ political power [147625]. The map had been challenged for allegedly weakening the voting influence of minority groups, but the Supreme Court’s decision clears the way for Alabama to use it while legal challenges continue [147570].

The move is part of a broader national push by Republicans to redraw congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with former President Donald Trump urging his party to act boldly to lock in partisan advantages [147281]. Critics argue this could reduce competitive races and further erode trust in the election process [147281]. Voters in the affected Alabama districts are advised to check with local election officials for the new primary date and any changes to their polling location [147570].