Wes Allen Files Motion to Fast‑Track Alabama Redistricting Case After Supreme Court's Callais Ruling

May 4, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen (R) has formally asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to expedite its review of the state's Senate redistricting case, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais as a key reason for swift judicial action.

Allen, who is the appellant in both of Alabama's ongoing redistricting cases, said the state must move quickly to ensure clarity for voters and election officials ahead of future election cycles.

"As the appellant in both of Alabama's redistricting cases, I am taking decisive legal action, in coordination with Attorney General Steve Marshall, to seek expedited judicial review," Allen said in a statement. "Timely resolution is critical to provide clarity and stability for Alabama's election process."

Allen emphasized that Alabama's elected representatives-not federal courts-hold the primary constitutional responsibility for drawing legislative districts. "Continued delay prolongs federal court oversight beyond what is necessary," he said.

Special Session Adds Urgency

Allen's motion comes as Governor Kay Ivey has called a special session of the Alabama Legislature today to ensure the state is prepared to act quickly once the courts issue further direction.

"Alabama stands ready to move forward. With the Governor's special session underway, we are prepared to act promptly to implement state Senate maps consistent with governing law and return map‑drawing authority to the Legislature," Allen said.

The special session is expected to position lawmakers to respond immediately to any court rulings that follow the Callais decision, which has already influenced redistricting litigation across the South.

Background on the Office

Allen, Alabama's 54th Secretary of State, serves as the state's Chief Elections Official, responsible for more than 1,000 statutory duties, including election administration, campaign filings, and maintenance of statewide voter records.

***EDITORIAL NOTE*** Allen is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. The primary is on May 19. If the state legislature passes and the governor signs a congressional redistricting and if the court does not halt the new redistricting it will impact the primary for Congress with congressional and or Senate candidates winning (or losing) their primary only to have to qualify (or not) for their district (or another district) and run again in a future primary - probably in August.