The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v Callais on Wednesday has significantly weakened a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, sparking outrage among Black lawmakers who now face the risk of losing their seats in Alabama's Black congressional districts. The decision, split along ideological lines, opens the door for Republicans to eliminate majority-minority congressional districts across the South.
Lawmakers Speak Out
Representatives Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures, who represent Alabama's two Black congressional districts, expressed deep concern over the ruling. Sewell, who represents the seventh district, noted that her hometown of Selma was a battleground for voting rights. "People in my hometown fought, braved, died, marched for the right of all Americans to vote," she said. "It's pretty frightening to think that on our collective watch, we're going backwards." Figures, representing the newly drawn second district, emphasized that the ruling threatens far more than just congressional seats. "The Voting Rights Act is about fairness," he said. "It's about having the opportunity to elect members of Congress of your choice."
Implications for Alabama
The ruling affirms that Louisiana's congressional maps violated the equal protection clause. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito held that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act does not require states to draw majority-minority districts. Justice Elena Kagan, in a dissent joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote that the decision effectively eviscerates the law. For Alabama, the implications are immediate. Republican lawmakers are expected to redraw the state's congressional maps, potentially pushing Sewell and Figures out of Congress by 2028. However, due to primary deadlines, the maps may not change before the 2026 midterms.
Historical Context
Sewell has served in Congress since 2011 and was the only Democrat in Alabama's delegation for 13 years. Her district, a product of the Voting Rights Act, includes some of the poorest counties in the nation. Figures' district was created after the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in Allen v Milligan, which reaffirmed Section 2 and compelled Alabama to draw a second opportunity district. Figures won that seat in 2024, marking the first time in modern Alabama history that two Black representatives sat together in the congressional delegation.
Broader Impact
Both lawmakers warned that the threat extends beyond Congress. With the Voting Rights Act weakened, representation at all levels—including state legislatures, county commissions, city councils, and school boards—is at risk. "When we go back to a day where majority white counties can now hold only at-large elections, we won't have Black county commissioners or Black city council members," Sewell warned.
Fighting Back
Sewell plans to work on strengthening the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and challenging any new maps. "You better believe we're going to challenge whatever map that they create," she said. Figures emphasized the need for grassroots organizing, drawing on Alabama's civil rights history. "The civil rights movement came with an insurance plan," he said. "It was called the right to vote." Sewell, who marched with John Lewis, drew inspiration from his words: "Never give up. Never give in. Keep the faith and keep our eyes on the prize."
