Alabama politicians are divided across party lines in their support or condemnation of Tuesday's 11th Circuit Court decision to bar the state from using the recently crafted congressional map in the 2024 election.
On Tuesday, the court ruled that Alabama may not use the congressional map developed by the Alabama Legislature in July in the 2024 election. It also assigned a special master and cartographer to draw a new map.
Immediately, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle began reacting to the ruling. Democrats unanimously supported the ruling, while Republicans expressed displeasure at the decision.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) slammed the decision as "activist judges" thwarting the will of the elected state legislature.
Federal courts have just overturned Alabama’s congressional maps.
— Jerry Carl (@CarlForAlabama) September 5, 2023
Once again we have seen activist judges thwart the will of our elected legislators. South Alabama is a community of interest and needs a congressman who represents the entire region. (1/2)
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) lauded the decision, calling the decision "another victory for Black voters."
NEWS: A federal court just struck down the Alabama state legislature's 2023 redistricting plan and directed a special master to fairly redraw our congressional maps.
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) September 5, 2023
This is yet another victory for Black voters and the promise of fair representation!
Read my full statement. 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/WJfzInpsj4
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) suggested the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately decide the new map's fate. While an appeal to the Supreme Court is likely, it is unclear if it will ultimately take up the case considering its June ruling on Alabama's 2021 congressional map.
We knew from the beginning that this case would probably be decided by the United States Supreme Court. So, we will just have to wait and see what their ruling is. https://t.co/zciXpRM50u
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) September 5, 2023
Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) called the decision frustrating, echoing a common complaint that the court's requirements for a new map were too vague.
The legislature worked together to meet the court's vague requirements, so today's ruling is disappointing. Above all, it's frustrating that the court chooses to legislate when the Alabama Legislature knows our citizens, hometowns, and communities better than any federal judge. https://t.co/arIb5go8wN
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) September 5, 2023
State Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Tuscaloosa) joined Sewell in praising the decision.
[1/2] Today is a victory for #AL voters, specifically Black voters, as a US District Court ruled the Republican-drawn “Livingston 3” congressional map violates Section 2 of the #VotingRightsAct. Instead of fairness, the Republican majority chose #DefianceOverCompliance.
— Anthony Daniels (@AnthonyDaniels) September 5, 2023
The Alabama GOP said in a statement, "While we respect the Court, we are disappointed in its decision, and we trust that the State will ultimately prevail in this litigation."
While retrospectively, the Alabama Democratic Party praised the decision while expressing caution since further appeals are almost inevitable.
A victory. But remember, this isn't over. Both sides have the ability to appeal the maps and recent reporting suggests that Alabama Republicans intend to press Justice Brett Kavanaugh to eliminate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act altogether. https://t.co/aQagWSheWc
— Alabama Democrats (@aldemocrats) September 5, 2023
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
