SCOTUS Gives GOP Big Win as They Block Alabama Dems From Redrawing a More Favorable House Map to Potentially Add Another Seat

In a 5-4 ruling, with Justice John Roberts siding with the liberal wing, the Supreme Court gave Republicans a big redistricting win by blocking Alabama Democrats from redrawing a more favorable House map to potentially add another seat.

The ruling may have been impacted by the fact that Democrats just maneuvered an enormous gerrymander in New York, which will likely slash Republican seats in half.

Redistricting counsel Michael Li reported, “BREAKING: SCOTUS in a 5-4 decision halts the redrawing of Alabama’s congressional map and agrees to hear the cases.”

“Kavanaugh joined by Alito write separately to say that he is granting a stay because of the election schedule,” Li added.

Kavanaugh joined by Alito write separately to say that he is granting a stay because of the election schedule. pic.twitter.com/J9oTtO5Ef1

— Michael Li 李之樸 (@mcpli) February 7, 2022

Democrats have argued that the current format doesn’t give black voters adequate representation in the state due to the fact that they make up nearly 25% of the constituency with only one majority-black seat.

Redistricting expert Dave Wasserman said of the decision, “The SCOTUS stay is obviously a huge win for Republicans and a blow to a coalition of Dems/civil rights groups seeking an additional Black opportunity seat in AL (and LA/SC). The 6R-1D GOP map will stand for 2022, and possibly longer.”

The SCOTUS stay is obviously a huge win for Republicans and a blow to a coalition of Dems/civil rights groups seeking an additional Black opportunity seat in AL (and LA/SC). The 6R-1D GOP map will stand for 2022, and possibly longer.

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) February 7, 2022

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that a previous court ruling will require the state to put race above other redistricting criteria.

Lawyers for people and organizations that brought the initial lawsuit argued the current lines do not reflect a state that’s grown more racially diverse.