NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
MADISON, Ala. — Hanu Karlapalem, the Democratic nominee for Alabama House District 4, criticized a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows Alabama to use a congressional map previously challenged in court over allegations of racial discrimination, arguing that the ruling could weaken Black political representation in the state.
In a statement released June 3, Karlapalem said the court’s 6-3 decision jeopardizes Alabama’s second majority-Black congressional district, which was established following years of litigation under the Voting Rights Act. The district elected Shomari Figures in 2024, making him the state’s second Black member of Congress alongside Terri Sewell.
Karlapalem, a Madison-based technology business owner and Democratic challenger in the November 2026 election, accused Alabama’s Republican leadership of supporting policies that he says restrict voting access. He specifically criticized State Rep. Parker Moore, his Republican opponent, for supporting legislation that voting-rights advocates have opposed.
The statement included comments from Kenneth Hines, a former chairman of the Limestone County Democratic Party, who argued that minority representation remains important in Alabama politics and that reducing opportunities for Black voters to elect candidates of their choice could diminish their voice in government.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Benard Simelton, former president of the NAACP Alabama State Conference and chairman of Karlapalem’s campaign, also criticized the ruling and encouraged voter participation in upcoming elections.
Karlapalem framed the issue as one of constitutional rights and equal representation, calling on voters to participate in the August and November elections. He also linked the court ruling to broader policy disagreements with Alabama’s Republican supermajority on voting rights, education, healthcare, and economic issues.
Karlapalem has lived in Madison for 26 years and is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. According to the campaign, he is a life member of the NAACP and previously served as second vice president of the Limestone County NAACP. He is running for Alabama House District 4 in the November 3, 2026, general election.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to have significant implications for Alabama’s congressional districts and could affect future elections in the state. The decision has drawn sharply different reactions from voting-rights advocates and supporters of the state’s redistricting plan.
Cover photo: Hanu Karlapalem with Rep. Shomari C Figures.
