Alabama and Tennessee have moved to redraw their congressional maps following a Supreme Court ruling that limits race-based redistricting. The governors of both states called special legislative sessions to address the changes, with Alabama's session starting May 4 and Tennessee's on May 6.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced a special session to redraw congressional maps and potentially reschedule the May 19 primary election. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also called a special session, stating that lawmakers must ensure districts reflect the will of voters. Both states are responding to the Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which restricted racial gerrymandering.
Deeper Dive & Context
Alabama's Complex Redistricting
Alabama is under a federal court order banning new congressional maps until after the 2030 census. However, Gov. Ivey hopes the Supreme Court's recent ruling will allow the state to revert to its 2023 maps. The state has faced years of litigation over its districts, with a three-judge panel rejecting a previous map. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall filed emergency motions with the Supreme Court to take up the state's redistricting case.
Tennessee's Potential Shifts
Tennessee's map could see changes to split the sole Democratic district held by Rep. Steve Cohen. GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn and former President Trump have urged Republicans to redraw the map to give the party an edge in all nine districts. The state's primaries are scheduled for Aug. 6, with candidate filing deadlines already passed.
Broader Implications
The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to influence redistricting in other Southern states, including Mississippi and South Carolina. The decisions in Alabama and Tennessee could set precedents for how states balance compliance with the Voting Rights Act and partisan interests.