MONTGOMERY, AL — The United States Supreme Court has granted Alabama’s request to stay a lower court order, allowing the state to conduct its upcoming congressional special election using the congressional district map approved by the Alabama Legislature in 2023.
The decision restores the Legislature-drawn congressional map for the August 11, 2026, special primary election and reverses a recent federal court ruling that would have required the use of an alternative map.
Following the ruling, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen announced that candidate certifications submitted by political parties on May 26 will move forward and be officially certified by the Secretary of State’s Office. Those certifications are scheduled to be issued to county election officials on June 3.
Allen said the ruling returns Alabama elections to districts approved by the Legislature and allows the state to proceed with election preparations under the 2023 congressional map. His office stated it will continue coordinating with county election officials, boards of registrars, and election vendors regarding implementation of the Court’s order and any voter district updates associated with the special primary election.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall also welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant legal victory for the state. Marshall stated that the Supreme Court found Alabama’s congressional maps to be constitutional and lawful under the Voting Rights Act and emphasized the role of state lawmakers in drawing congressional districts.
Marshall further argued that the Court’s decision was influenced by its recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which he said altered the legal framework surrounding redistricting disputes. He also stated that Alabama has experienced harm when prevented from enforcing laws enacted by its Legislature.
Governor Kay Ivey likewise praised the ruling, calling it a victory for Alabama voters and election administration. In a statement, Ivey said the Supreme Court’s decision affirmed the state’s ability to draw its own congressional districts and confirmed that the August 11 special primary election will proceed using the Legislature-approved map.
As a result of the ruling, candidates who qualified for office by the May 22 deadline under the 2023 congressional map will remain on the ballot for the August 11 special primary election.
The broader legal challenge over Alabama’s congressional districts remains ongoing, but the Supreme Court’s action allows the state to use the 2023 map while appellate proceedings continue.
