The Alabama Legislature is still undecided on whether to call a special session in response to a ruling by a federal judge in August that ordered lawmakers to redraw Alabama’s State Senate map.
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco ordered Alabama lawmakers in August to redraw a new State Senate redistricting map for the upcoming 2026 election. The State of Alabama is appealing the ruling.
The order could result in Gov. Kay Ivey calling a special session in late September or early October to redraw State Senate district lines before the upcoming election. Republicans currently comprise 27 of the 35 seats in the State Senate. Complying with Manasco’s order to draw an additional majority-black Senate district would likely mean Republicans would lose one seat.
If a special session isn’t called, Manasco could either decide to stay her ruling and leave the current map in place or appoint a special master to draw a new State Senate map for Alabama.
“Secretary Allen still does not know if the Alabama Legislature will avail itself of the opportunity to draw a remedial map. Counsel remain in contact with Legislative leadership and with the Governor’s office but cannot say at this time when a decision will be made or what it will be. Counsel understand that the officials who would be involved in a special session of the Legislature are actively discussing the matter and progress has been made, but no final decision has been reached. Counsel will update this report when they have further information or at any time the Court requires,” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a filing on Thursday in the lawsuit.
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