Gerrymandering

Court Blocks Alabama Map

Is the court correcting a case of racial discrimination against Black voters or is it overreaching while ignoring Supreme Court precedent?

Published MAY 26

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Above: "Vote Here" signage outside a polling location in Mobile, Alabama on May 19. Image credit: Micah Green/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Democratic narrative

The lower federal court, which includes two Trump-appointed judges, ruled correctly. Alabama Republicans defied federal court orders, the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act just to hold onto power. This ruling makes clear that racial discrimination in redistricting won't be tolerated, but there's still more work to be done.

Terri Sewell on X

Doug Jones on X

Jessica Tarlov on X

Republican narrative

This ruling completely contradicts SCOTUS' Callais ruling and when lower courts ignore the plain meaning of SCOTUS' decisions, that's a serious threat to the rule of law. Alabama's appeal will give Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito the opportunity to end racial gerrymandering nationwide once and for all.

Morse Report on X

Eric Daugherty on X

Mark Hemingway on X

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance that the Republican disadvantage vs. Democrats in the U.S. House after the 2026 elections will be at least 11 seats, according to the Metaculus prediction community.