Federal Judge Rules Against Racial Gerrymandering in Jefferson County

Birmingham, AL, September 17, 2025

News Summary

A federal judge has determined that the Jefferson County Commission violated the rights of Black voters by racially gerrymandering district lines. The ruling mandates that the commission must redraw its map for the five districts to ensure fairer representation. With the current map diluting the influence of Black voters, this significant decision could shift the political balance in Jefferson County from a Republican to a Democratic majority. The commission has 30 days to propose a new map, or face court intervention.

Birmingham, AL – A federal judge has ruled that the Jefferson County Commission violated the rights of Black voters through racially gerrymandered district lines. U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala issued a comprehensive 139-page ruling, stating that the commission is mandated to redraw its map for the five districts.

The current map, finalized in 2021, has created two districts specifically designed to concentrate Black voters, which dilutes their electoral influence in other areas. This ruling, part of the McClure v. Jefferson County Commission case, may initiate a significant political shift, potentially converting the county commission from a Republican majority to a Democratic one.

Judge Haikala determined that race was a predominant factor in the construction of the district lines, constituting a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s prohibition against racial gerrymandering. Presently, the Jefferson County Commission comprises three White, Republican members, along with two Black, Democratic commissioners.

Impact on Representation

The plaintiffs in this case successfully argued that even as Black residents migrated into suburban areas, the district lines failed to adapt to these demographic changes. This situation effectively marginalized these voters. The judge pointed out that the 2021 district map was adopted without sufficient justification and has permanently barred the commission from utilizing this plan in upcoming electoral events.

The commission is required to submit a remedial redistricting plan within 30 days. Should the commission be unable to produce a constitutionally compliant map, the plaintiffs retain the right to propose an alternative to the court. Furthermore, the court could appoint a special master to oversee the redrawing of the district lines.

Next Steps

Attorney Theo Lawson has stated that the county is currently reviewing the order to determine its next steps, which might include an appeal of the ruling. The next county commission elections are scheduled for May 2026, with primaries and a general election also slated for November of that year.

Community Reactions and Support

Birmingham activist Cara McClure has expressed optimism regarding the judge’s ruling, underscoring the crucial importance of fair representation for voters. The lawsuit was supported by various organizations, including the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP and Greater Birmingham Ministries.

This case mirrors a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding racial gerrymandering in Alabama, which led to revised federal voting maps. Some officials within the county defended the 2021 map, stating that it was a continuation of district lines established by a 1986 consent decree intended to ensure Black representation. In contrast, legal arguments presented by Jefferson County included claims that the district lines were derived from political preferences rather than racial considerations.

Conclusion

The next steps hinge on either the Jefferson County Commission creating a new map or the intervention of the courts should a satisfactory plan not be put forth. This ruling could significantly impact the political landscape of Alabama’s most populous county and reshape the representation of its Black voters.

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Additional Resources

• WVTM 13: Court Ruling on Racial Gerrymandering in Jefferson County
• Wikipedia: Gerrymandering
• Birmingham Times: Federal Judge Orders Redraw in Jefferson County
• Google Search: Racial Gerrymandering Alabama
• Alabama Reporter: Trial Date Set for Jefferson County Gerrymandering Case
• Google Scholar: Gerrymandering Alabama
• My Leader Paper: States Rush to Pass New Political Maps
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Redistricting
• AL.com: Redistricting Case Could Shift Political Power in Alabama
• Google News: Jefferson County Commission Redistricting

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.