Summary
A federal court stopped Texas from using its new congressional map in the 2026 elections, saying it involved racial gerrymandering, which is against the law. The court decision is a setback for Republican efforts to reshape districts in favor of their party ahead of the important midterm elections. The judgment restores the earlier congressional map from 2021.
Key Facts
- A panel of federal judges blocked Texas's new congressional map for the 2026 elections.
- The judges found evidence that the districts were drawn based on race, which violates the law.
- Racial gerrymandering is illegal under the US Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.
- The court's decision makes it harder for Republicans to gain an advantage in the upcoming midterm elections.
- President Donald Trump's administration had encouraged redrawing the map to add more Republican seats.
- The decision restores the 2021 congressional map that is currently in use.
- The ruling affects Texas, where Republicans currently hold a majority of the congressional seats.
- The fight over redistricting has led to similar actions in other states like North Carolina and Missouri.
