MONTGOMERY — Members of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee approved legislation introduced during the specially called legislative session on Tuesday that would require the state to hold a special election using a 2023 congressional map currently blocked by a federal court.
The special session was called after the 6-3 majority ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. In a 6-3 majority decision, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) found race-based redistricting unconstitutional. Alabama swiftly reacted, filing motions to remove the injunction on the congressional map approved by lawmakers in 2023. The 2023 map came after an initial map was blocked by a federal court, forcing lawmakers to redraw it. Despite the redrawing, a three-judge panel likewise found that the 2023 map violated the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965.
A federally appointed special master drew a map for the State to use in the 2024 election, and the State remains under a court order prohibiting the use of new congressional maps until after the 2030 Census.
The bill, approved by the House committee on Tuesday, would require the state to hold a special election for the 2026 congressional race using the 2023 map if SCOTUS lifts the injunction.
House Bill 1 (HB1) by State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) would require the governor to call a special primary election for the affected congressional districts if the special primary election could be held within a specified time frame without violating certain laws, and authorize the governor to modify certain election deadlines specified in state law.
The bill would take effect only if the court rules in Alabama's favor and the ruling is made too late to be accommodated within the normal primary election schedule.
A candidate who receives the most votes in the special primary election is considered the party nominee for the general election, thereby eliminating the need for a primary runoff.
Pringle stood at the podium and faced harsh criticism and condemnation from Democratic House members and members of the public who signed up to speak at the public hearing.
Some, like State Rep. Napoleon Bracy (D-Prichard), accused Pringle and, by extension, the State of going back on an agreement not to redraw congressional lines before the 2030 census.
Other Democratic lawmakers bemoaned the nearly $4.5 million price tag of holding a special election.
"My issue with the state is, and I will continually have this issue, is mental illness," said State Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee). "Every time I bring up mental illness, we're told, 'We don't have the money. We don't have the money.' Where are we getting the money from now to have a special election and to pay all these lawyer fees?"
The public hearing featured several local pastors, one state representative, and other representatives of advocacy organizations.
All speakers harkened back to the civil rights struggles in the 20th century, accusing lawmakers of trying to silence or dilute the black vote.
Following the public hearing, Democratic lawmakers directed the harshest words toward Pringle.
"So now, this body is becoming liars, not only to the three-judge panel, but they have become liars to the people of the state of Alabama," said State Rep. A.J. McCampbell (D-Demopolis).
When McCampbell tried to juxtapose the current redistricting efforts with the period of slavery in the United States, committee chairman Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville) halted his statement and moved on to the next speaker.
Warren further accused Pringle of subserviently carrying out the orders of others, while making an unspecified threat about black voters.
"I look at you standing there today, I kind of pity you because you are looking just like a robot," Warren said. "You are being programmed to say this."
She continued, "When I think of where we're going in this state, where we're moving as racial people in this state. You're going to see, I guarantee you. If this bill pass, y'all better watch out because black folks, we're coming after the Republican party. We're going to become Republicans. We're going to mess up your party."
Despite the pushback, the committee passed the bill by voice vote. The only audible "nay" votes came from the Democratic members. The bill will now go before the House floor on Wednesday for a vote.
A Senate committee similarly advanced legislation to allow a special election for the state senate, using a map previously blocked by a court order.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
