Federal Court Blocks Texas Congressional Map, Citing Racial Gerrymandering

A federal court has blocked Texas from using its newly drawn congressional map. The decision is a major legal setback for state Republicans. The ruling was issued on November 18, 2025, by a three-judge panel in El Paso.

The court found substantial evidence of racial gerrymandering. This violates the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. The state must now revert to its 2021 district boundaries for the next election.

Court Finds Map Illegally Diluted Minority Voting Power

The legal challenge was brought by civil rights groups. They argued the map unlawfully diluted the political power of Black and Hispanic voters. According to the Texas Tribune, the court agreed with this assessment.

In a 2-1 decision, the majority stated race was a key factor in drawing district lines. The opinion noted officials intentionally manipulated boundaries in majority-minority areas. This practice is known as racial gerrymandering and is illegal.

The ruling specifically impacts “coalition districts.” These are areas where combined minority populations can sway elections. The court found the new map undermined this collective voting strength.

Republican Leaders Vow Swift Appeal to Supreme Court

Texas Republican leaders strongly disagree with the ruling. Governor Greg Abbott called the decision “clearly erroneous.” He vowed to appeal immediately to the U.S. Supreme Court.

State officials argue the redistricting was purely partisan, not racial. They cite a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that partisan map-making is legal. Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed confidence the high court will side with Texas.

The redrawn map was part of a national Republican strategy. It aimed to flip several U.S. House seats from Democratic control. For now, those political calculations are on hold pending further litigation.

This legal block on the Texas congressional map underscores ongoing national battles over voting rights and representation. The final outcome will likely be decided by the highest court in the land.

Info at your fingertips

What is racial gerrymandering?

It is the illegal practice of drawing electoral district lines to weaken the voting power of a racial minority. This differs from partisan gerrymandering, which targets political groups.

Which map will Texas use now?

The court order forces Texas to revert to the congressional district boundaries used in the 2022 and 2024 elections. These are the maps from the 2021 redistricting cycle.

What was the court’s vote?

The three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to block the new map. The majority opinion found clear evidence that race was improperly used in the redistricting process.

What happens next?

Texas will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The state’s request will likely be considered on an expedited basis given the upcoming election cycle.

Who brought the lawsuit?

The legal challenge was filed by civil rights organizations representing minority voters. They argued the new map violated the Voting Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause.