SCOTUS allows Alabama to use new congressional map ahead of 2026 midterms

(NBC, KYMA) - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Alabama can use a new congressional map in the upcoming 2026 midterm election.

The map, which was drawn in 2023, eliminates a majority Black district from the state.

It was previously struck down by a three-judge panel that found it to be "in violation of the Constitution."

The justices, voting 6-3 along ideological lines, granted an emergency request filed by Republican officials seeking to use the map, which was created in 2023 but was never officially adopted.

In the unsigned three-page order, the court said that the state is likely to ultimately prevail on its claim that the map was lawfully drawn.

In dissent, liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, "The majority's decision disregards both democratic values and the rule of law."

On May 26, the lower court concluded for a second time that the map was unconstitutional saying it intentionally discriminated against Black voters in violation of the constitution's 14th amendment.

Primaries in Alabama are now set to take place with the new map in place on August 11.