With the U.S. Supreme Court set to potentially narrow how race can be used in political redistricting, Alabama lawmakers have pre-filed a new bill for the 2026 legislative session to prevent election chaos if district lines change too close to the 2026 elections.

The 2026 state legislative session begins January 13, the Alabama party primary elections will be held on May 19, and the general election is slated for November 3.

That puts any late redistricting ruling from the Supreme Court squarely in the middle of campaign season.

SB23, filed this week by Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), would create a contingency plan: It would void prior primary results only in the district that changed, keep already-qualified candidates on the ballot, and require the Governor to call a

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