A federal three-judge panel has blocked Alabama from implementing its 2023 congressional redistricting plan, determining that it intentionally dilutes Black voters' electoral power.

In a detailed 102-page ruling issued on May 26, 2026, Judges Stanley Marcus, Anna Manasco, and Terry Moorer concluded that the Alabama Legislature deliberately doubled down on racially discriminatory practices when adopting the map.

The court ordered the state to use a previously drawn race-blind 'Special Master Plan' for the remaining 2026 congressional elections, including upcoming special primaries.This plan creates a second district where Black voters can effectively elect their preferred candidate.The decision follows the U.S.Supreme Court's instruction to reconsider the case under the new standards from Louisiana v.Callais.However, the panel found that Alabama's map still violates both the Voting Rights Act and constitutional protections.The judges noted a complete lack of evidence that the map was drawn for legitimate partisan reasons rather than racial discrimination.They rejected the state's defense and emphasized that the legislature could not use the recent Supreme Court precedent to justify its actions.The ruling also highlighted practical concerns, as switching maps so close to election deadlines would create significant administrative chaos.Alabama's elections director testified that properly reassigning voters would require a massive effort in a very short timeframe.Despite the court's denial of a stay, Alabama officials are expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

The case stems from long-standing challenges to Alabama's redistricting practices, which plaintiffs argue have systematically underrepresented Black voters, who make up a significant portion of the state's population.