Supreme Court permits Texas GOP to temporarily use newly redistricted map

Washington On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed Texas to temporarily implement its newly redrawn congressional districts, a map that could provide Republicans with five extra seats in the House. This comes after a lower court had ruled that some of the updated boundaries were racially discriminatory.

The Supreme Court's move is a significant win for House Republicans and former President Trump, who has encouraged GOP-led states to pursue unusual mid-decade redistricting efforts to maintain their House majority. Last month, a three-judge panel had blocked Texas from using the revised map for the 2026 elections, citing racial gerrymandering concerns.

Following the lower court's decision, Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested intervention from the Supreme Court. Justice Samuel Alito initially reinstated the map temporarily while the full court reviewed the case. Now, the Supreme Court has agreed to suspend the lower court's ruling, allowing the state to proceed with the new district lines in next years elections.

Texas House Democratic Leader Rep. Gene Wu criticized the decision, stating, "The Supreme Court has let down Texas voters and American democracy. This demonstrates the consequences of weakened protections under the Voting Rights Act, as courts fail to safeguard minority communities despite clear evidence."

Author: Gavin Porter