Overview
- A three-judge federal panel in El Paso ruled 2-1 to bar Texas from using its 2025 map and directed the state to revert to the 2021 lines for the 2026 midterms.
- Judge Jeffrey V. Brown, joined by Judge David C. Guaderrama, wrote that there is substantial evidence race predominated in drawing key districts; Judge Jerry E. Smith dissented.
- The opinion cited a Justice Department letter and public instructions from Governor Greg Abbott as evidence that lawmakers redistricted based on racial targets rather than partisan goals.
- The blocked plan was advanced at President Trump’s urging and aimed to net Republicans up to five additional U.S. House seats, spurring similar mid-decade moves in states such as Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, and a countermap approved by California voters.
- Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton said the state will appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, with a Dec. 8 candidate filing deadline creating immediate time pressure.