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NewsPBS NewsHourMay 8, 2026United States

Alabama Lawmakers Pass Contingent Plan for New Congressional Primaries

Alabama lawmakers have approved legislation to hold new U.S. House primaries under revised district maps if current court-ordered injunctions are lifted. The bill, now awaiting the Governor's signature, would only take effect if courts allow the state to move away from its current court-selected congressional map.

redistrictingvoting rightselectionscongressional districtslegislature
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Why It Matters

This legislation creates a legal mechanism to potentially redraw Alabama's congressional districts and replace the current map, which includes a district where Black voters are the majority, if federal courts permit the change.

Key Facts

  • Alabama lawmakers passed a bill to schedule new U.S. House primaries under revised districts if courts lift an existing injunction.
  • The bill is contingent on court action; it has no effect if the current court-selected map remains in place.
  • The current court-selected map includes a district where Black voters are the majority, which resulted in the election of Rep. Shomari Figures.
  • Republican officials seek to implement a 2023 map that was previously rejected by a federal court.
  • The legislation has been sent to Governor Kay Ivey for signature.
  • The bill would ignore the May 19 primary for affected congressional seats if the court order is lifted.

Who's Mentioned

personGreg Albritton“Republican State Senator”personShomari Figures“Democratic U.S. Representative”personBetty White Boynton“Civil rights activist”personKay Ivey“Governor of Alabama”locationAlabama Statehouse“Site of legislative debate”personBobby Singleton“Senate Minority Leader”