Topline
A three-judge panel on Tuesday blocked Texas from implementing a new congressional map that would likely give Republicans five additional seats in the House—a major setback in the party’s push to gerrymander as many seats as possible ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
President Donald Trump (L) listens to Texas Governor Greg Abbott speak during a meeting with local officials and first responders in Kerrville, Texas, on July 11, 2025, following devastating flooding that occurred in the area over the July 4 weekend. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
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Key Facts
The panel ruled 2-1 in favor of civil rights groups representing minority voters, writing “substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 Map” by dismantling districts where minority voters outnumber non-Hispanic white voters.
The court said Texas must revert to the map the legislature enacted in 2021.
The GOP-controlled state legislature implemented the new map earlier this year, prompting a gerrymandering war with Democratic-led states.
Texas Republicans openly said they were redrawing the map to more heavily favor Republicans, which is permitted under a 2019 Supreme Court ruling allowing partisan gerrymandering, though racial gerrymandering is still illegal.
Texas is likely to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
What To Watch For
The filing deadline for next year’s congressional elections is Dec. 8, giving the courts a short window to decide on the maps.
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