Many of Alabama’s political leaders are reacting to the Supreme Court decision forcing the state to create a second majority minority district.
In a 5-4 decision, the justices found that the current Alabama congressional map violated the Voting Rights Act.
In a statement to Yellowhammer News, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall criticized the ruling, but said the “case is not over.”
“Although the majority’s decision is disappointing, this case is not over,” Marshall said. “The Court made clear that its ruling was based only on the preliminary injunction record compiled in just a few weeks before the January 2022 district court ruling. The State is still entitled to put on our full case at trial, and we are confident that the evidence will make clear that voters in Alabama, regardless of their race, have the same opportunity as any other members of the electorate to participate in the State’s political processes and elect representatives of their choice.”
ALGOP Chairman John Wahl also blasted the decision.
“The Alabama Republican Party is disappointed in the ruling by the United States Supreme Court. The U.S. Constitution is clear that drawing district lines – as well as redistricting – are the responsibility of state legislatures,” Wahl said. “Regardless of our disagreement with the Court’s decision, we are confident the Alabama Legislature will redraw district lines that ensure the people of Alabama are represented by members who share their beliefs, while following the requirements of applicable law. The Alabama Republican Party remains committed to competing in every district, and will work hard to win all seven Congressional seats with candidates that reflect their communities and the values of the State of Alabama.”
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) took to Twitter to point out the hypocrisy of Democrats now praising the Supreme Court because of this ruling.
It’s great to see my Democratic colleagues affirming the legitimacy of the Supreme Court today.
Sounds like there are some new #Keep9 supporters!
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) June 8, 2023
While most of the state’s political leaders blasted the decision, the lone Democrat in Alabama’s congressional delegation, Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) praised the “historic” ruling.
“This is a historic victory, not only for Black voters in Alabama, but for Democracy itself,” Sewell said in a statement. “With this decision, the Supreme Court is saying loudly and clearly that the voices of minority voters matter and that fair representation must be upheld.
“I know that John Lewis and the Foot Soldiers of the Voting Rights Movement are smiling as they look down on us. Today, their sacrifice was rewarded.
“Our work is not over. We must continue the fight for fair representation by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”
Wow!!! The Supreme Court just upheld Section 2 of Voting Rights Act of 1965 and protected the voices of Black and minority voters.
This is a historic victory not only for Black voters in Alabama, but for Democracy itself.
Read my full statement here: https://t.co/M95fFdanqq pic.twitter.com/z1FOOyY1X1
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) June 8, 2023
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
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