Federal judges approve new Alabama Congressional map

Though new map does not establish a second majority-Black district, it features a district where 48.7% of the voting-age populace is Black

MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A three-judge panel has endorsed a new Alabama congressional map to be implemented for the 2024 elections.

This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court’s verdict and Alabama Republicans’ refusal to adjust the state’s racially biased districts.

The judges’ move establishes a second “opportunity district,” enhancing the prospects for Black voters to elect a second Black congressional representative, a milestone not achieved since Reconstruction.

Executive director of the Alabama chapter of American Civil Liberties Union JaTaune Bosby Gilchrist emphasized the significance of this landmark ruling.

He regretted that the intervention of federal courts was needed for such a change.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell underscored the significance of the decision, noting the persisting challenges faced from state officials.

Alabama state Sen. Merika Coleman emphasized the broader implications of the ruling for voting rights and racial equity.

Though the new map does not establish a second majority-Black district, it features a district where 48.7% of the voting-age populace is Black.

History suggests that the majority-preferred candidate among Black voters has been successful in 16 out of the last 17 elections in this district.

In 2022, Alabama’s GOP-led legislature was ordered by a federal district court to create a new congressional map.

The previous map was criticized for minimizing Black voting strength.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the court’s directive in Allen v. Milligan, but the subsequent map drawn by Alabama Republicans was found lacking.

The final map decision was influenced by a court-appointed special master who proposed three potential plans, with Remedial Plan 3 ultimately chosen.

Similar map disputes rooted in racial biases are ongoing in states like Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana.