NPR News: 05-03-2026 10AM EDT

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has called a special legislative session for Monday to redraw the state's congressional maps, following a Supreme Court ruling. The session aims to adjust districts in response to ongoing voting rights litigation. Louisiana is pursuing similar changes after a state high court victory. These moves underscore tensions between state redistricting powers and federal oversight on minority representation.

Redistricting Battles in Alabama and Louisiana

Alabama's push comes as the state asks the Supreme Court to lift restrictions from voting rights cases that have limited its redistricting. Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall argues Alabama should be treated like most other states in this process. Critics, including Shaleila Dowdy, a Mobile voter who sued successfully for a second Black congressional district, warn that changes risk eroding civil rights gains. Dowdy describes it as "taking power away from Black people... taking representation away from Black people... pulling us out of the room." The special session could reshape the state's seven congressional seats, where current maps have been challenged for diluting Black voting power—Blacks make up about 27% of the population but hold only one district with majority-Black voters. Louisiana's effort follows its court win, potentially altering its six districts to reflect similar demographic and