Former Senator Doug Jones commented on events at the Alabama State House on the morning of May 8, 2026 in which protesters were blocked by security and state troopers from entering during proceedings. Protests have been ongoing as Gov. Kay Ivey recently called a special session, in light of the Supreme Court decision on Louisiana v. Callais, to redraw district lines across the state. "You don't just bully your way," Jones said. "Democracy is about representation. It's about making sure everybody has a voice." Jones listed several other special sessions that the Alabama legislature could have previously called for other ongoing issues, such as Medicaid and data centers. He calls the special session for redrawing district lines "a complete waste of money." Jones said redrawing of Alabama's district map would not just affect minorities but the entire state. He said gerrymandering is based on historical data and emphasized that the pathway forward was to encourage people to get out and ...