In photos: A tumultuous Alabama special session, marked by protest

By: Alabama Reflector staff

11 May 2026 at 07:30

A group of people holding signs saying Hands Off Our Votes and "Our VOte OUr Voice OUr Power in Front of a sign saying Alabama State House — Voters hold signs saying "Hands Off Our Votes" and "Our Vote Our Voice Our Power" outside the Alabama Statehouse on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama Legislature on Friday passed two bills that would allow the state to set new primary elections in certain congressional and legislative district if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps it previously declared racially discriminatory.

The session came after the U.S. Supreme Court substantially weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, preventing racial discrimination in voting laws, in Louisiana v. Callais, and as the Alabama Attorney General’s Office sought to overturn prior court rulings that led to the creation of a second congressional district with a substantial population of Black voters.

Republicans said the efforts were meant to allow state officials to draw maps. Gov. Kay Ivey, who called the special session on May 1, said it would take mapping power from “activist groups who think they know Alabama better than Alabama.”

Democrats through the session said Republicans were trying to reduce Black political representation, won through the suffering and deaths of civil rights activists.

“My aunt bludgeoned on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, tear gas, billy clubs, trampled over for the right to vote not a long time ago,” said Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, during debate on Friday. “We didn’t even have the Voting Rights Act intact for 50 years. That is a sin and a shame.”

Protestors shadowed the session all week, from a Monday rally that drew at least 400 people to demonstrations in legislative committees on Thursday to a protest on Friday that led to the removal of one activist from the House galleries and drew Democratic state representatives attempting to intervene on her behalf.

Litigation over the new laws is likely if the federal courts reverse their previous rulings and allow the state to redistrict. Democrats throughout the week noted an amendment to the Alabama Constitution passed in 2022 forbids election law changes six months before an election. Republicans said the amendment did not apply to primaries.

Alabama Reflector staffers documented the session and took photos throughout the week.

A woman holding a sign saying Who invited Jim Crow — Carsie Evans of Anniston, Alabama holds a sign saying “Who Invited Jim Crow?” outside the Alabama Statehouse on May 4, 2026. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A group of people holding signs saying Hands Off Our Votes and — Voters hold signs saying “Hands Off Our Votes” and “Our Vote Our Voice Our Power” outside the Alabama Statehouse on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A group of people holding a banner saying — A group of protestors hold a banner saying “Black Voters Matter” with a quote from Allen v. Milligan, a 2023 case that required Alabama to draw a second congressional district to give Black voters an opportunity to elect their preferred leaders, on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A sign saying — A person holds a sign saying “No Jim Crow 2.0” at a protest of a special session of the Alabama Legislature on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a blue suit and blue patterned tie with his arms folded — Randy Kelley, the chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, stands during a rally against redistricting at the Alabama Statehouse on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A person holding a sign saying It Is Time We The People Say No — A protestor holds a sign saying “It Is Time We The People Say No” with the Alabama State Capitol in the background on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman holding a sign saying — Lindsay McCormick, a community organizer from Auburn, Alabama, holds a sign with a picture and a saying from the late civil rights activist and U.S. Rep. John Lewis during a rally against redistricting on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman holding a microphone and addressing a crowd — Dee Reed of Black Voters Matters addresses a rally against redistricting at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama on May 4, 2026. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A fan saying — A woman holds a fan saying “Black Voters Matter” at a rally against redistricting on May 4, 2026. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A person holding a sign saying No New Map — A person holds a sign saying “No New Map” at a rally against redistricting at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama on May 4, 2026. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman holding a microphone addressing a crowd — Sheyann Webb-Christburg (bottom center, holding microphone), who survived “Bloody Sunday” on the Edmund Pettus Bridge Selma, Alabama in 1965, speaks to a rally against redistricting on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. Webb-Christburg was eight when marched over the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965 before law enforcement attacked protestors after they crossed. The event became a spur for the Voting Rights Act. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a dark suit and red tie — Rep. Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa, stands at a lectern in the Alabama House of Representatives shortly before delivering a prayer on May 4, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature began a special session Monday that could result in changes to primary elections and current congressional legislative district lines. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a suit speaking to reporters. — Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, speaking to reporters after the Senate adjourned on May 4, 2026, the first day of a special session on primary elections for court-altered districts, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey speaks with the media on Monday in Birmingham before discussing the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais with Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham and its potential impact on voting rights for African Americans. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham speaks with members of the media on Monday in Birmingham before hosting a discussion with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey. She told reporters that state “will not go back” amid a U.S. Supreme Court decision that blunted the impact of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)

A group of men and women huddled around a desk discussing legislation. — Democratic Sens. Vivian Davis Figures of Mobile, Kirk Hatcher of Montgomery, Bobby Singleton of Greensboro and Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove speaking before a committee meeting on May 5, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama, on the second day of the special session addressing legislation on special primary elections for court-altered legislative districts. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A person in a light jacket and red and white striped tie — Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, speaks to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee about a bill to set new primary schedules if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in glasses speaking to a man — Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee (right) questions Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile (foreground) about a bill that would allow new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman asking questions of a blurred figures — Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee (right) questions Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile (foreground) about a bill that would allow new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a light suit and red tie pointing his fingers — Ja’Mel Brown, a Democratic candidate for Alabama governor, speaks to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee about a bill that would allow new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman holding a book at a lectern — Eliza Jane Franklin of Barbour County holds up a copy of “Witness to Injustice,” a book by David Frost Jr. about racial violence and the Civil Rights Movement in Eufala, Alabama while speaking to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Franklin spoke in opposition to a bill that would set new primary dates should the U.S. Supreme Court allow the state to use maps ruled racially discriminatory in the past. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman applaudng as another woman holds a phone and a woman in ablue suit looks on — Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham (center) applauds a speaker in the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Rep. Penni McClammy, D-Montgomery, sits on the left; Rep. Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery, sits on the right. The committee Tuesday approved a bill that would allow the state to set new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to revert to congressional and state Senate maps previously deemed unconstitutional. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a dark jacket gesturing — Richard Williams, pastor of Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Montgomery, speaks to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Williams spoke in opposition to a bill that would allow the state to set new primary dates if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to use legislative maps previously ruled to be racially discriminatory. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a dark blue suit — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, listens to speakers at a meeting of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The committee approved a bill that would allow the state to hold new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows Alabama to revert back to congressional and legislative maps previously ruled racially discriminatory. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A young man in a dark suit and red tie smiling with his back to a committee — Ja’Kobe Bibbs, a student at the University of Alabama and president of UA’s NAACP chapter, returns to his seat after speaking to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Bibbs spoke in opposition to a bill that would allow the state to set new primary dates if the U.S. Supreme Court allows Alabama to revert back to congressional and legislative maps previously ruled racially discriminatory. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a blue suit and blue striped tie speaking to another man — Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Linden (left) questions Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile (foreground) about a bill that would allow new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a white shirt and clerical collar with her back to a committee — Rev. Agnes Lover of St. Paul AME Church in Montgomery returns to her seat after speaking to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Lover spoke in opposition to a bill that would allow the state to set new primary dates if the U.S. Supreme Court allows it to revert back to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed racially discriminatory. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman speaking into a microphone — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham (left), speaks to a rally at the Alabama Statehouse on May 5, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. The rally was a protest against two bills that would allow Alabama to set new primary election dates if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to use maps previously ruled racially discriminatory. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman holding a microphone with people behind her hceering — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham (center, holding microphone) speaks at a rally at the Alabama Statehouse on May 5, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. The rally was held in opposition to two bills that would allow Alabama to set new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to revert to congressional and state Senate maps previously ruled racially discriminatory. Behind Sewell (l-r) are Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile; Sen. Robert L. Stewart, D-Selma; Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile and Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a green shirt holding signs saying 27% of AL is Black and Brown 2 seats no less and No taxation without representation — Andra Johnson-Lee, an ABA therapist from Helena, holds signs supporting equal representation on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Democrats held a rally at the building on Tuesday in protest of two bills that would allow the state to set new primary dates if the U.S. Supreme Court allows Alabama to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed unconstitutional. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman speaking into a microphone with her right arm pointed up — Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, speaks to a rally in opposition to two election bills on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The bills would allow the state to set new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows Alabama to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed racially discriminatory by federal courts (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a dark suit and blue tie speaking into a microphone — Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, speaks to a rally in opposition to two election bills on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The bills would allow the state to set new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows Alabama to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed racially discriminatory by federal courts (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in glasses, a dark suit and a yellow tie leaning against a dais — Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, leans against the dais in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Wednesday debated a bill that would allow the state to set new primary dates should federal courts allow Alabama to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously declared discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a green suit — Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, sets up a phone to record debate in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Wednesday debated a measure that would allow the state to set new primary elections if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously deemed discriminatory to Black voters. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman at a lectern speaking into a microphone — Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile (bottom) speaks in opposition to a bill that would set new primary dates in the state on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama, The measure would take effect if federal courts allow the state to revert back to congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory against Black voters. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Three men in suits talking — (Left to right) Reps. Chip Brown, R-Hollinger’s Island; Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise, and Jeff Sorrells, R-Hartford, speak to each other during a meeting of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a suit looking up — Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, looks up into the galleries in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 6, 2026. The House Wednesday debated a measure that would allow the state to set new primary dates should federal courts allow the state to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed discriminatory against Black voters. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A phone displaying a speaker at a lectern — Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, speaks in the Alabama House of Representatives while her phone records her speech on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Wednesday debated a measure that would allow the state to set new primary dates should federal courts allow the state to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed discriminatory against Black voters. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a dark suit and dark tie — House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville (right) speaks to a colleague in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 6, 2026 in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Wednesday debated a measure that would allow the state to set new primary dates should federal courts allow the state to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed discriminatory against Black voters. To the left is Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in glasses with a gavel near him — Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, looks at a colleague in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Wednesday debated a measure that would allow the state to set new primary dates should federal courts allow the state to revert to congressional and legislative maps previously deemed discriminatory against Black voters. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Protestors on the seventh floor of the Alabama Statehouse raise their fists on May 6, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. The protest was against SB 1, a bill that would require a special election for two Montgomery-area Senate districts, if a federal court allows it. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

Mildred Bennett, a civil rights foot soldier in the 1960s, speaks during a protest in the hallway of the seventh floor of the Alabama Statehouse on May 6, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. The protest was against SB 1, a bill that would require a special election for two Montgomery-area Senate districts, if a federal court allows it. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A group of people holding their fists up — A group of people hold their fists aloft to protest SB 1, a bill that would allow new primaries for for two Montgomery-area Senate districts if a federal court allows it, in the Alabama Statehouse on May 6, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. The Senate passed the bill on Wednesday amid flooding in downtown Montgomery. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a suit at a lectern — Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, discusses a primary bill in the Alabama Senate on May 6, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Senate approved the bill, which would allow the state to set new primary elections in two Montgomery-area state Senate districts if federal courts allow the state to use a legislative map previously declared unconstitutional. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

A building — The Alabama Statehouse, shortly after being evacuated on May 6, 2026. Flooding on the first floor of the building threatened electrical systems, leading to an evacuation Wednesday evening. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

Flooding in a building — Water spills into the first floor of the Alabama Statehouse on May 6, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. Torrential rain in Montgomery forced the Alabama Senate to abruptly end debate on a primary election bill and evacuate the building. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, speaking to the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee on May 7, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The committee held a public hearing and approved HB 1, which would create a process for a special primary election for four congressional districts that were altered by a court order, if the order is lifted. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, speaking at the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee on May 7, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The committee held a public hearing and approved HB 1, which would create a process for a special primary election for four congressional districts that were altered by a court order, if the order is lifted. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a suit gesturing — U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, thanks the audience for attending an Alabama Senate committee meeting on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. House and Senate committees moved two bills that would reschedule primaries should courts allow the state to use congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory. The committee votes were preceded by protests from audience members who said the Legislature was denying Black Alabamians proper representation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a suit walking back — U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, leaves the lectern after speaking to an Alabama Senate committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. House and Senate committees moved two bills that would reschedule primaries should courts allow the state to use congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory. The committee votes were preceded by protests from audience members who said the Legislature was denying Black Alabamians proper representation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a white suit at a lectern — Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, listens to a question from the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. House and Senate committees moved two bills that would reschedule primaries should courts allow the state to use congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory. The committee votes were preceded by protests from audience members who said the Legislature was denying Black Alabamians proper representation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Travis Jackson leading a protest after the Senate County and Municipal Government Committee approved legislation setting up the possibility of new primary elections for four congressional districts in the lower half of the state, should the U.S. Supreme Court allow it, on May 7, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A man raising his fist in the air as a woman lifts her arms — Activist Travis Jackson (back, with fist raised) leads chants against a primary bill in a House committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham (foreground, in patterned dress) joins in the protest. House and Senate committees moved two bills that would reschedule primaries should courts allow the state to use congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory. The committee votes were preceded by protests from audience members who said the Legislature was denying Black Alabamians proper representation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in glasses and a bowtie looking skeptical — Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard (seated) listens to Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile (foreground) during a meeting of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Two bills that could change primary elections in Alabama — should federal courts allow the use of congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory – moved closer to passage Thursday, but not without major protests erupting in legislative committees. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman and a man seated next to each other — (Left to right) Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile listen to speakers in the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Two bills that could change primary elections in Alabama — should federal courts allow the use of congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory – moved closer to passage Thursday, but not without major protests erupting in legislative committees. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector

A woman at a lectern holding up a finger — Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, speaks to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Two bills that could change primary elections in Alabama — should federal courts allow the use of congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory – moved closer to passage Thursday, but not without major protests erupting in legislative committees. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a green jacket raising her fist — Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, raises her fist in protest of a bill setting new primary election dates on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Two bills that could change primary elections in Alabama — should federal courts allow the use of congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory – moved closer to passage Thursday, but not without major protests erupting in legislative committees. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a gray jacket speaking as people protest around him — Wayne Taft Harris (right) of Black Lives Matter Birmingham speaks amid protests in an Alabama House committee hearing on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Two bills that could change primary elections in Alabama — should federal courts allow the use of congressional and legislative maps previously ruled discriminatory – moved closer to passage Thursday, but not without major protests erupting in legislative committees. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a cap standing at a lectern — Mildred Bennett, a civil rights foot soldier in Birmingham in the 1960s, speaks to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Wayne Taft Harris (right) of Black Lives Matter Birmingham speaks amid protests in an Alabama House committee hearing on May 7, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman holding a microphone — Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, talks to the crowd at a town hall event hosted by U.S. Congressman Shomari Figures on May 7, 2026. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

Five people on a stage — (Left to Right) U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile; House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville; Sheyanne Webb-Christburg, a civil rights activist and Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery listen to Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, speak at a town hall on voting rights and redistricting on May 7, 2026. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a salmon-plaid jacket — Rep. Tashina Morris, D-Montgomery, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 8, 2026. The Alabama House Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a dark suit looking up — Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, listens to debate in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama House Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a suit speaking with security — Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham (right, in maroon suit) speaks to security in the gallery of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Friday recessed over a bill to set new primary dates after protests began in the gallery over the chamber. One protestor was taken out by security. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman embracing another woman — Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmigham, embraces Dee Reed of Black Voters Matter after Reed was removed from the House gallery amid a protest on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Friday recessed over a bill to set new primary dates after protests began in the gallery over the chamber.(Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman speaking to a woman and a man — Dee Reed of Black Voters Matter (left) speaks with Reps. Juandalynn Givan (center) and Travis Hendrix, both D-Birmingham, after being removed from the Alabama House gallery on May 8, 2026 following a protest. The House Friday recessed over a bill to set new primary dates after protests began in the gallery over the chamber. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man gesturing — Rep. Kelvin Datcher, D-Birmingham, speaks to protestors in the gallery of the Alabama House of Representatives following several protests on May 8 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Datcher asked those present to allow House Democrats to debate two bills that could lead to new primary dates in order to build a legal case against them. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, listening to debate on HB 1, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, and carried by Albritton, on May 8, 2026, in the Alabama Senate in Montgomery, Alabama. The bill would set new primary elections for Congressional districts 1, 2, 6 and 7, if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to use a 2023 map the Legislature passed of the map, which the court previously ruled racially discriminatory. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, debating HB 1, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, on May 8, 2026, in the Alabama Senate in Montgomery, Alabama. The bill would set new primary elections for Congressional districts 1, 2, 6 and 7, if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to use a 2023 map the Legislature passed of the map, which the court previously ruled racially discriminatory. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in a blue suit at a lectern — Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, speaks in the Alabama House of Representatives on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama House Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, holding a photo of his aunt, who he said marched on “Bloody Sunday” in 1965, on the floor of the Alabama Senate on May 8, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A group of people holding phones up — Spectators in the gallery of the Alabama House of Representatives film and stream a debate on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama House Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in pink holding her hand up — Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, becomes emotional when describing law enforcement removing a protestor from the House gallery on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Friday recessed over a bill to set new primary dates after protests began in the gallery over the chamber. Givan said the presence of state troopers reminded her of similar tactics used against protestors during the Civil Rights Movement. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Rep. Orlando Tillman, D-Bessemer, speaks to reporters about the removal of a protestor from the House gallery on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama.

A seated man with a litthograph next to him — Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, listens to a debate in the Alabama Senate on May 8, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama. A lithograph of the first Black U.S. representatives and senators during Reconstruction sits next to him. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman in black at a lectern — Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, speaks on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama House Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, debating HB 1, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, on the Alabama Senate floor on May 8, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. The bill would set new primary elections for Congressional districts 1, 2, 6 and 7, if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to use a 2023 map the Legislature passed of the map, which the court previously ruled racially discriminatory. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a bowtie speaking to reporters — Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, speaks to reporters on May 8, 2026 after the Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill allowing new primary dates in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert back to maps previously ruled discriminatory against Black voters. Bracy said Democrats would file a motion with federal courts opposing it. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a bowtie speaking in of a group of people — Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, speaks to reporters at a press conference held by the Alabama House Democratic Caucus on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Two men speaking next to a lithograph — Sens. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville (left) and Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia (right) speak next to a lithograph of the first Black members of Congress during Reconstruction on May 8, 2026 in the Alabama Senate. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved two bills that would allow the state to set new primary dates should federal courts allow Alabama to use congressional and legislative maps previously declared discriminatory by federal courts. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A woman resting her head on her chin — Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, listens to debate in the Alabama Senate on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man at a lectern gesturing — Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, speaks in the Alabama Senate on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Two men in suits speaking — Alabama Speaker Pro Tem Chris Pringle, R-Mobile (left) and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, speak to reporters on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a blue suit speaking surrounded by people — Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro (second from right) speaks to reporters outside the Alabama Senate on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. From left to right: Democratic Sens. Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove; Linda Coleman-Madison of Birmingham; Rodger Smitherman of Birmingham; Robert Stewart of Selma and Vivian Davis Figures of Mobile. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a gray suit and blue ti e — Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, speaks to reporters on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. To Hatcher’s right is Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile. (Andrea TInker/Alabama Reflector)

A man in a blue suit — Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, speaks to reporters on May 8, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Alabama Legislature Friday approved legislation that would allow new primary dates to be set in the state if federal courts allow the state to revert to maps previously declared racially discriminatory against Black Alabamians. To Figures’ right is Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro. (Andrea Tinker/Alabama Reflector)

This story was originally produced by Alabama Reflector, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Wisconsin Examiner, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

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