Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — The 2026 election cycle in Baldwin County has undergone a significant shift following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed Alabama to implement a congressional map previously blocked by lower courts. This redistricting effort, which utilizes a 2023 map, has necessitated a major disruption to the original primary election schedule for several districts across the state, including Baldwin County's 1st Congressional District.

While the initial primary election took place on May 19, 2026, the implementation of the new map meant that results for congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 were rendered moot. Consequently, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey called for special primary elections to ensure that voters could elect representatives under the newly established district boundaries.

• New Primary Date: The special primary election for these affected congressional districts is scheduled for August 11, 2026.

• District Composition: Baldwin County remains part of the 1st Congressional District, which has seen candidate adjustments following the map change.

• No Runoffs: Unlike the standard primary election, the special primary on August 11 will not feature a runoff. Winners will be determined by a plurality of the vote.

• State Senate Districts: In addition to the congressional races, special primaries for State Senate Districts 25 and 26 were also scheduled for August 11, 2026, following the reverting map decision.

This change has created a shortened campaign season, requiring voters to return to the polls in August to finalize their choices for the November 3, 2026, general election.