A redistricting trial that could change the makeup of the State Senate is set to begin on Tuesday in federal court in Birmingham.
Plaintiffs who originally challenged 33 different State House and Senate districts dropped challenges to all but two areas in December 2023 following Attorney General Steve Marshall's filing of a motion to dismiss the claims.
Now, challenges to only Senate districts in Huntsville and Montgomery areas remain
Plaintiffs' challenges focus on State Senate Districts 25 and 26 held by State Sens. Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road) and Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery), respectively. They also claim Huntsville area State Senate districts held by State Sens. Tom Butler (R-Madison), Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) and Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) "unnecessarily cracks Black voters."
The group of plaintiffs suing the State over its state legislative map is similar to the group that is suing the State over its federal redistricting map. It includes groups such as the NAACP, SPLC and the ACLU.
"We think the plaintiffs' remaining two claims also lack merit. I will continue to defend Alabama's laws and fight attempts to redraw our districts based on racial goals rather than common interests,” Marshall said last year.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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