Alabama officials have filed emergency requests with the Supreme Court, demanding permission to replace the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The appeal follows the Court’s April 29 ruling that struck down Louisiana’s majority‑Black district as a constitutional violation, a decision that has prompted Republican‑led Southern states to rethink district lines. The move could reshape Alabama’s House delegation.

Under the pre‑ruling map, Alabama contained two majority‑Black districts, both held by Democrats. A federal court had forced the state to create a second such district in 2023, expanding Black voter concentration from 30% to about 40% in one district. Alabama’s current map, now challenged, would allow Republicans to strengthen their hold on at least one seat.

Alabama’s request mirrors Louisiana’s case, with the Court now limiting Voting Rights Act claims to those showing intentional race discrimination rather than partisan strategy. If approved, the new map could grant Republicans a structural edge in the House, potentially tipping the razor‑thin 220‑214 balance that keeps the GOP majority. The decision will be heard by May 14, well before the May 19 primaries.