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Federal Court Blocks Texas Congressional Map Over Likely Racial Gerrymander, Orders Return to 2020 Lines

The injunction returns Texas to its 2020-era districts pending an expected appeal.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown granted the injunction, concluding challengers are likely to prove the 2025 map was drawn with race as an unlawful predominant factor.
  • A three-judge panel ruled 2–1, with Judge David Guaderrama joining Brown in the majority and Judge Jerry Smith dissenting.
  • Texas must use the post‑2020 census congressional lines while the case proceeds, replacing the legislature’s newly approved map for next year’s elections.
  • The blocked plan, advanced in special sessions, was designed to advantage Republicans and could have created up to five additional GOP‑leaning seats.
  • State officials are expected to appeal rapidly, with reports noting a December 8 candidate filing deadline that tightens the legal timeline.