Marshall, Ivey, and Moore Respond After Federal Court Again Blocks Alabama's Congressional Map

May 26, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama's redistricting fight intensified Tuesday after a three‑judge federal panel once again struck down the state's congressional map, prompting swift and forceful reactions from Attorney General Steve Marshall, Governor Kay Ivey, and Congressman Barry Moore.

The ruling-part of the long‑running Allen v. Milligan litigation-temporarily blocks the use of Alabama's 2023 congressional map and sets the stage for yet another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Marshall: "Not a matter of whether we win, only when"

Attorney General Steve Marshall sharply criticized the panel's decision, calling the map "blandly unobjectionable" and arguing that nothing in the Supreme Court's May 11 vacatur order justified the court's latest action.

"I am disappointed, but not at all surprised, that the three‑judge panel has again struck down Alabama's blandly unobjectionable congressional map that has been in place for decades," Marshall said. "I find nothing in the U.S. Supreme Court's vacatur order of May 11 that would provide a basis for this outcome; thus, we will immediately appeal this decision to the Supreme Court."

Marshall described the situation as "very fluid" and pledged to keep Alabamians informed as the state pursues further legal remedies.

"Know this-in my mind, it is not a matter of whether we win this case, only when," he said.

Governor Ivey: "Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best"

Governor Kay Ivey echoed Marshall's frustration, calling the ruling "unsurprising" and voicing full support for the state's appeal to the Supreme Court.

"Alabama's redistricting battle continues after federal judges temporarily blocked use of our 2023 congressional map," Ivey said. "I fully support Attorney General Marshall appealing this unsurprising decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, and I remain hopeful they will allow Alabama to move forward with our August 11 Special Primary Election."

Ivey reiterated her longstanding position that redistricting authority belongs with the state.

"I will continue to say: Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best."

Barry Moore: "Fair representation, not activist judges"

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, now a leading candidate for U.S. Senate, also weighed in, framing the ruling as an overreach by the federal judiciary.

"The people of Alabama deserve fair representation, not activist judges rewriting our Constitution to impose Washington politics on our state," Moore said. "This latest ruling against Alabama's congressional map is another example of unelected courts trying to override the will of Alabama voters and punish our state for standing its ground."

Moore said he stands "firmly" with Marshall and state leaders as they continue defending the map.

"The Supreme Court has already spoken on the importance of respecting the Constitution and the role of the states, and it's critical that these principles are upheld consistently and decisively moving forward."

What Happens Next

The state is expected to file its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court immediately, seeking to reinstate the 2023 map ahead of the August 11 special primary. The timeline is tight, and election officials have warned that prolonged uncertainty could complicate ballot preparation and candidate qualification.