The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling Monday enabling Alabama to utilize a contested voting map for the upcoming midterm elections. In a 6-3 decision, the Court sent the case to a lower court for further review of the map’s legality, effectively allowing the state to return to a Republican-designed legislative structure featuring only one majority-Black district.

“Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best.” Gov. Kay Ivey

Governor Kay Ivey quickly commented on the Supreme Court decision. “Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best. SCOTUS’ decision is plain common sense and enables our values to be best represented in congress with our 2023 Alabama-drawn map. I have called a Special Primary Election for the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th congressional districts.”

“A historic win for Alabama voters.” -Wes Allen

In a statement following the decision, Secretary of State Wes Allen hailed the judgment as a “historic win for Alabama voters,” confirming that the May 19 Primary Election will move forward as planned. Allen noted that his office is coordinating with the Governor and Attorney General as the situation evolves, while emphasizing his commitment to “secure, transparent, and accountable” election administration alongside local officials.

The Alabama State Legislature recently held a special session to finalize a U.S. House primary plan in preparation for the Court’s ruling. Governor Ivey has scheduled special elections for the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th congressional districts. Notably, the 2nd District — previously trending toward a minority-leaning composition — will revert to a majority-white, Republican-leaning district.

The Special Primary Elections for Alabama’s 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th Congressional Districts have been set for August 11, 2026.

There will be no runoff. The general election remains on Tuesday, November 3.

Updated to reflect special election date and Governor Kay Ivey’s quote.