The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday to allow Alabama to redraw its congressional districts, clearing the way for the state to implement a new map ahead of the 2026 midterms. The decision, which the Associated Press reported will eliminate one of two majority-Black districts in Alabama, sparked a heated debate on CNN's NewsNight With Abby Phillip.
During the discussion, CNN commentator Bakari Sellers and Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary clashed over the ruling's implications. Sellers criticized O'Leary's stance, telling him, 'Don't be a d***.' Sellers argued that Black representation in the South remains inadequate and cited his family's history in the civil rights movement, including his father being shot during the movement. O'Leary countered by asserting that the Constitution grants states the authority to decide redistricting, stating, 'At the end of the day, the state decides at the state level, it's in the Constitution, get over it.'
Sellers emphasized the historical struggle for voting rights, saying, 'There are people in this country that fought, died, and bled for the right to vote.' O'Leary responded by questioning Sellers' point and defending the Supreme Court's decision, arguing that the Constitution was being upheld. Host Abby Phillip intervened to reset the discussion.
The debate highlighted broader tensions over racial representation in Congress and the role of the Supreme Court in redistricting decisions.