During an appearance Tuesday on CNN's "The Source," U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) predicted the federal courts would not stop with Alabama's congressional districts regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's break with prior precedent on the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
According to Sewell, beyond state congressional districts, the Jefferson County Commission could be the next target of a federal lawsuit.
"As John Lewis said, you can never give up and never give in," she said. "We know that the pendulum swings from right to left, that progress is elusive and that every generation has to fight to hold on to the progress that we've made and to try to extend it. So, I see this as a further step to progress in our state. If Alabama can have two districts where African-American voters in Alabama have an opportunity to choose a candidate of their choosing, that, to me, is progress."
"And I know that will affect not only Alabama but we're waiting on Louisiana and Georgia," Sewell continued. "And it will have a ripple effect. And not just in congressional seats, but what this case says is the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is alive, well and enforceable — Section 2. And so, Section 2 is about voter dilution. So even in Jefferson County, where we have five commission seats, I think that you'll see a lawsuit whether or not that violates the VRA, Section 2 because there are so many African-American voters in that county. It has a big effect all around."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
