Alabama’s newly-drawn congressional district map on Monday was blocked by a federal court as a three-judge panel ruled that the map likely stood in violation of the Voting Rights Act.

The court charged the Alabama Legislature with the task of redrawing the congressional district map to include an additional black-majority district or a district that enables black voters to elect a representative of their choosing.

Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairman John Wahl in a statement expressed his dissent to the ruling, pointing to the fact that the traditional outline of the state’s congressional districts has remained consistent throughout the years.

“I am disappointed in the federal court’s decision to overturn the elected representatives of the people of Alabama,” stated Wahl. “It always concerns me when I see an unelected federal court insert itself into a discussion that our Constitution reserved for the legislative branch.”

He added, “The basic outlines of Alabama’s congressional districts have remained the same for several decades and have been upheld numerous times. I believe the question must be asked, what has changed between now and those past decisions to cause the court to act in this manner?”

As the deadline for congressional candidate qualifying will be extended due to the ruling, it is yet to be determined if the ruling affects the qualifying deadline for other races.

Wahl added, “I am confident this ruling will be appealed and will watch as it makes its way through the judicial process. We are awaiting further guidance from the court on whether this ruling will impact the qualifying deadline for all other elected positions.”

The office of Attorney General Steve Marshall has stated its intentions to appeal the court’s ruling in the coming days.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL