MONTGOMERY, AL — Kay Ivey has called a special session of the Alabama Legislature as the state continues to navigate ongoing legal challenges related to congressional redistricting.
In a statement issued Friday, Ivey said the decision follows recent developments at the U.S. Supreme Court, including a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which she described as encouraging for Alabama’s case. The governor noted that while the ruling may have implications for Alabama, the state remains under a federal court order preventing the use of newly drawn congressional maps until after the 2030 census.
Ivey said the special session is intended to prepare the state in the event courts act quickly to lift that restriction. If the injunction is removed, Alabama could revert to maps previously drawn by the Legislature, including congressional districts established in 2023 and state Senate districts drawn in 2021.
The governor has asked lawmakers to consider legislation that would allow for a special primary election for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Alabama State Senate if district boundaries are altered by court action. She indicated the session is expected to be completed within five days.
Ivey also expressed continued support for Steve Marshall and Wes Allen following their recent legal actions. Marshall filed emergency motions with the Supreme Court seeking to lift injunctions that currently block Alabama from using its 2023 congressional map.
The motions were submitted in three cases — Allen v. Singleton, Allen v. Milligan, and Allen v. Caster — and argue that the injunctions conflict with the Supreme Court’s recent interpretation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
According to Marshall, the high court’s ruling in Callais clarified that plaintiffs challenging redistricting maps must distinguish between race and political considerations. He contends that the lower court did not apply that standard in Alabama’s case and has asked the Supreme Court to vacate the injunctions and expedite proceedings.
Secretary of State Allen also requested expedited review, stating that the filings aim to restore Alabama’s ability to implement congressional maps through the legislative process.
The legal dispute over Alabama’s congressional districts has been ongoing since the state redrew its maps following the 2020 census. Federal courts have previously ruled that aspects of the maps may violate provisions of the Voting Rights Act, leading to court-ordered revisions and continued litigation.
As the case moves forward, the outcome of the Supreme Court’s review could determine whether Alabama will be permitted to use its previously enacted maps in upcoming elections.
