A panel of federal judges has barred Texas from using its redrawn congressional map, which Republicans enacted earlier this year in an effort to shore up their narrow House majority in next year’s midterm elections.
The court ordered Texas to use its previous map instead, which was passed in 2021. The ruling, signed by Judge Jeffrey Brown, who was nominated by President Donald Trump, is likely to be appealed.
The likely appeal will go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to the ruling, teeing up a legal fight that could decide control of Congress.
Trump called on Texas Republicans to draw a new map that could result in the party gaining up to five seats, triggering a nationwide redistricting battle across the country.
Texas’ Republican-controlled legislature and Gov. Greg Abbott enacted the new district lines in August, overcoming protests from Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to temporarily block the legislation.
California Democrats responded to Texas with a redrawn map of their own. Earlier this month, voters approved new congressional lines that could net up to five seats for Democrats.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Ben Kamisar contributed.
