The Supreme Courts’ surprise decision to rule in favor of Black Alabamians in the case of the congressional redistricting map has surprised many and sparked celebration across the nation.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who represents District 7, the lone Black district in the proposed map said, “This is a historic victory, not only for Black voters in Alabama, but for Democracy itself.

“With this decision, the Supreme Court is saying loudly and clearly that the voices of minority voters matter and that fair representation must be upheld. I know that John Lewis and the Foot Soldiers of the Voting Rights Movement are smiling as they look down on us. Today, their sacrifice was rewarded.”

“Today’s decision rejects efforts to further erode fundamental voting rights protections, and preserves the principle that in the United States, all eligible voters must be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote free from discrimination based on their race,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, the right from which all other rights ultimately flow.”

Evan Milligan, a Black voter and the lead plaintiff in the case, told The Associated Press the ruling was a victory for democracy and people of color.

“We are grateful that the Supreme Court upheld what we knew to be true: that everyone deserves to have their vote matter and their voice heard. Today is a win for democracy and freedom not just in Alabama but across the United States,” Milligan said.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has spoken out against the proposed map before said, “The SCOTUS decision today is a powerful blow to racial gerrymandering in Alabama. The old map was a clear attempt to dilute the power of Black voters. We will not stand for silencing Black voices.”

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones expressed his excitement about the decision in a tweet. “WOW! This is a huge victory folks, not just us in Alabama but for voting rights everywhere.”

Alabama House Minority Leader, Anthony Davis released a statement.

“We are pleased that the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the unanimous district court which found the Alabama maps were discriminatory. We stand ready to participate meaningfully with our colleagues to create a new map that fully complies with the law.”

Alabama Young Democrats said, “Today was a historic victory for the Voting Rights Act and every Black Voter in the State of Alabama!”