Alabama lawmakers passed legislation Friday that would allow the state to delay congressional primary elections if federal courts approve a new district map amid renewed legal and political battle over redistricting in the South ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. 

The Republican-backed bill, approved after heated debate in the Alabama legislature, would give Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL) authority to postpone or reschedule House primaries in districts affected by possible court-ordered map changes.