Federal Court Blocks Texas GOP Redistricting Maps in 2-1 Ruling, Citing Racial Gerrymandering and Trump-Urged Influence
A federal court, in a 2-1 ruling, blocked Texas's GOP-drawn redistricting maps for 2026, citing racial gerrymandering and links to Trump-urged voting maps, mandating the use of 2021 maps.
Court blocks new Texas congressional map for 2026 election
Washington Examiner
Overview
- A federal court, in a 2-1 ruling, blocked Texas from using its GOP-drawn redistricting maps for the 2026 midterm elections, citing evidence of racial gerrymandering.
- The court mandated Texas use its previously approved 2021 congressional map, as dividing districts along racial lines violates the US Constitution and Voting Rights Act.
- The blocked map, signed by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, aimed to add up to five House seats for the GOP and reduce minority-majority districts, with links to Trump-urged voting maps.
- Two judges, including Trump-appointed Judge Jeffrey Brown, rejected the maps, stating the district changes were not purely partisan but racially motivated, favoring the plaintiffs.
- Governor Greg Abbott plans to appeal the federal court decision, which also impacts the 2022 and 2024 elections, to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on the factual details of the court's ruling against Texas's redistricting map and the subsequent appeal. They present arguments from both Republican officials and Democratic lawmakers, alongside expert analysis. The coverage provides balanced context on the legal distinctions and national redistricting efforts by both parties.
"The ruling is a blow to Trump and the Republicans in a that this summer."
NPR"The decision from Brown is likely to be appealed, but it marks an early blow for Republicans and President Trump."
CBS News"The decision is a major blow for Trump, who called on Texas Republicans over the summer to draw a new map that could result in the party gaining up to five seats, triggering a nationwide redistricting battle across the country."
NBC News"The ruling states that substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 Map."
Associated PressArticles (20)
Center (4)
FAQ
The federal court blocked the maps due to evidence of racial gerrymandering, determining that dividing districts along racial lines violates the US Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.
Texas is required to use its previously approved 2021 congressional map for the 2026 elections, as mandated by the federal court after blocking the new GOP-drawn maps.
The blocked map aimed to add up to five House seats for the GOP and reduce minority-majority districts, which was part of the court's concern about racial gerrymandering influencing political advantage.
Governor Greg Abbott plans to appeal the federal court decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the block on the redistricting maps.
The maps were linked to Trump-urged voting maps, and Trump-appointed Judge Jeffrey Brown was among the two judges rejecting the maps, stating the changes were racially motivated rather than purely partisan.
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