A federal court has blocked Texas from using its newly-drawn congressional map for the 2026 midterm elections, citing concerns that it dilutes the voting power of minority populations and may violate the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. The three-judge panel’s 2-1 ruling follows nearly two weeks of trials in El Paso and prevents the map, which was expected to give Republicans five additional seats, from being implemented, according to KHOU.
Civil rights groups had challenged the redistricting, arguing it was designed to maintain Republican dominance despite demographic shifts in Texas. The court’s decision upholds the demand to use the 2021 map for the upcoming elections, representing a significant legal setback for the GOP’s plans and President Donald Trump’s strategy.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown has ordered Texas to use the 2021 legislative map for the 2026 Congressional elections, as reported by CBS News.The ruling affects the state’s congressional districts, and further legal challenges and appeals from civil rights groups and the GOP are expected.
