Alabama Republican Party Chairman Scott Stadthagen declared the U.S. Supreme Court’s redistricting decision a “major victory for the rule of law” after the court vacated the lower court order that forced Alabama to use a congressional map with two majority-Black districts.

“The Voting Rights Act should never be twisted to justify unconstitutional race-based gerrymandering or federal overreach into the redistricting process,” Stadthagen said. “The Supreme Court made clear that fairness and equal application of the law matter, and that states like Alabama have the right to enact maps through the legislative process without being forced into race-driven mandates.”

The ruling sends the case back to the lower court for reconsideration under the framework established by the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

Alabama lawmakers passed contingency legislation during last week’s special session authorizing special replacement primaries in affected districts now that the injunction has been lifted.

“This is a win for common sense, election integrity, and the people of Alabama,” Stadthagen said.

Attorney General Steve Marshall, Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) have also released statements praising the decision.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].