Overview
- An unsigned Supreme Court order paused a lower court ruling that found Texas’ 2025 map likely relied on race, extending a prior administrative stay and drawing a dissent from the three liberal justices led by Elena Kagan.
- The lower court’s 2-1 panel concluded substantial evidence showed racial gerrymandering after a DOJ letter and public statements referenced racial composition; Texas argued the redraw was driven by partisan goals.
- Texas may use the new lines for the 2026 cycle while litigation continues, a change Republicans say could help them gain up to five House seats as candidate filing approaches and primary dates loom.
- The Court’s order invoked concerns about disrupting an active primary process, reflecting the Purcell principle’s caution against late election changes.
- Florida opened House hearings on a potential mid‑decade redraw as Gov. Ron DeSantis floated a spring special session tied to forthcoming Supreme Court rulings, though the state constitution forbids maps drawn with partisan intent and voting-rights groups vow legal challenges.