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.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) lauded the decision, calling the decision "another victory for Black voters."
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.
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.
State Rep. Anthony Daniels (D-Tuscaloosa) joined Sewell in praising the decision.
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.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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