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Governor calls Alabama special session to consider special primary elections after court-ordered boundary changes
Summary
Gov. Kay Ivey issued a proclamation calling a May 4, 2026 special session of the Alabama Legislature to consider legislation allowing special primary elections for U.S. House and State Senate districts altered by court action; senators introduced three bills on primaries and redistricting and adopted procedural resolutions before adjourning.
A special session of the Alabama State Senate convened May 4, 2026 after a proclamation from Gov. Kay Ivey calling lawmakers to consider legislation related to special primary elections for districts whose boundaries were altered by court action.
The Secretary of the Senate read the proclamation signed by Kay Ivey and Secretary of State Wes Allen, which said an "extraordinary occasion exists" and directed the legislature to convene at the Alabama State House in Montgomery to take up "primary elections." The proclamation limits consideration during the special session to that specifically described subject and requires a two-thirds vote to consider other legislation.
Senators introduced three bills tied to the session's purpose. The Secretary announced Senate Bill 1, "relating to primary elections," sponsored by Senator Elliott, was referred to the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development. Senate Bill 2, a redistricting measure listed as sponsored by Senator Smitherman and others, was also referred to the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development. Senate Bill 3, filed by Senators Singleton and Smitherman and addressing redistricting, was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senator Wagner moved and the Senate adopted by voice vote a resolution notifying the House of Representatives that the Senate had convened. Senator Wagner also moved and the Senate adopted a joint resolution appointing a committee to notify the governor that the legislature was in special session.
The Secretary called roll; the Senate announced 32 senators present, establishing a quorum. Senator Andrew Jones delivered the opening prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Before leaving the chamber, Senator Gudger moved to adjourn until Tuesday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m.; the motion was adopted by voice vote and the Senate stood adjourned. No formal floor debate on the introduced bills appears in the transcript and no recorded roll-call votes or amendments were taken during the session recorded here.
The legislation introduced is now in committee pending further action.
