Federal Court Blocks Alabama's GOP Congressional Map, Orders Use of Court‑Drawn Plan for 2026

May 26, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A three‑judge federal panel on Tuesday blocked Alabama Republicans from using their newly drawn congressional map in the 2026 midterm elections, ruling that the plan was intentionally discriminatory and cannot be implemented under the Constitution.

The decision marks the latest turn in a years‑long redistricting battle and comes despite the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling narrowing the scope of the Voting Rights Act. The panel said that ruling does not alter its earlier finding that Alabama lawmakers acted with discriminatory intent when crafting the map.

"Ultimately, we cannot see our way clear to requiring Alabamians to cast their votes in the 2026 elections under a districting plan tainted by intentional race-based discrimination," the judges wrote.

The panel also emphasized that maintaining the court‑drawn, race‑blind map used in the last election cycle would not disrupt the state's preparations.

"And under the unusual circumstances of this case, we conclude that a limited order requiring the Secretary to continue using this Court's race-blind map will not disrupt Alabama's elections," the ruling continued.

What the ruling means for 2026

The decision requires Alabama to use the court‑ordered map that includes two majority‑Black districts - a configuration that could significantly affect representation and political dynamics in the state.

Republican leaders had sought to reinstate their preferred map, which would have created a potential pickup opportunity for the party. The blocked plan contained only one majority‑Black district, similar to the map struck down in earlier litigation.

Unless Alabama officials can persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, the court‑drawn map will govern the 2026 midterms.

The state has not yet announced whether it will appeal.