The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for May 12, 2026
We’re tracking the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Callais decision, sending GOP-dominated Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama & South Carolina scrambling to eliminate their Black-majority congressional districts.
May 7th, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill for a congressional map dividing Shelby County and majority-Black Memphis into three other districts, diluting Black voting power and likely eliminating the state’s only Democratic congressional seat. It also divided Nashville into five different districts.
Louisiana’s legislature began hearings May 8th to redraw that state’s congressional districts. It may eliminate one or both of its majority-minority voting districts, after Governor Jeff Landry suspended voting in the primary after early voting had already begun. Approval of the new districts could come later this week.
Also May 8th, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill authorizing a plan for a new primary election if courts allow the state to also redistrict. Simultaneously, the state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate its 2023 Milligan decision, which resulted in a second majority-minority congressional district.
South Carolina’s House extended its term to potentially dilute Black voting power in its 6th Congressional district, held by 17-term Black Democratic Congressman James Clyburn. May 8th, a state House Committee recommended delaying the congressional primary to Aug. 11th. Find more details at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org, I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
The Hill – These are the Southern red states moving to redistrict after Supreme Court ruling
Louisiana Illuminator – Louisiana’s start to US House redistricting riles lawmakers, voting rights crowd
The Intercept – Tennessee GOP Moves to Decimate Black Voting Power After Supreme Court’s Blessing of Jim Crow
CNN – Alabama urges US Supreme Court to let it eliminate a Democratic-held congressional district
South Carolina Daily Gazette – SC House panel approves 2-month delay in congressional primary amid redistricting push
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – The U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Louisiana Sends States Back to the Gerrymandering Drawing Board to Rig Districts Before the Midterms
American Democracy Minute – Fallout Continues from 2023 SCOTUS ‘Milligan’ Decision, as the Alabama Legislature Faces Possible Return of Preclearance Requirements
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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