Southern states advance redistricting plans that could reduce Black voting influence
Post-Supreme Court ruling efforts in Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee reshape congressional maps ahead of 2026
WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – Following the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais on April 29, several Southern states have moved to advance redistricting plans that could significantly alter congressional representation for Black and Democratic voters.
In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation that would allow for a potential new election if federal courts overturn the state’s current congressional map, which created a second district with a near-Black majority. The proposal could effectively nullify results from the May 19 primaries if the courts rule in favor of redrawing the map.
In South Carolina, lawmakers met to discuss possible new congressional boundaries that could eliminate the state’s only majority-Black district and potentially allow Republicans to win all seven House seats.
Alabama’s current map was established after the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling in Allen v. Milligan, which required the creation of a second majority-Black district, resulting in the election of Democratic Representative Shomari Figures. Under proposed revisions, Black voters would retain a majority influence in only one of seven districts, despite comprising roughly 30 percent of the state population.
Civil rights advocates and Democratic officials strongly criticized the moves. John Bisognano of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee said the efforts reflect a broader trend across Southern states to weaken Black voting power following recent judicial decisions.
In Alabama, legal uncertainty remains. A federal injunction blocking changes to the state’s map is still in place, and a three-judge panel declined to lift it. The final decision now rests with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Representative Figures expressed confidence that current district lines would remain in place temporarily but noted continued Republican efforts to revise them.
In South Carolina, Democratic Congressman Jim Clyburn criticized the effort, stating it was politically motivated and linked to national Republican strategy rather than voter demand. He warned that the dispute reflects larger questions about democratic accountability and representation.
State Representative Justin Bamberg raised concerns about the proposal, comparing the move to legally permissible but ethically questionable actions.
The redistricting push in Alabama and South Carolina follows similar actions in Tennessee, where lawmakers approved changes to the state’s only Black-majority district, and a ruling in Virginia where the state Supreme Court struck down a voter-approved Democratic-leaning map.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
