US court blocks Texas from using newly redrawn voting maps

November 18, 2025

A federal court has ruled that Texas cannot use its recently redrawn electoral district maps for the 2026 midterm elections, determining that the redistricting constitutes racial gerrymandering. Texas Republicans had taken the uncommon step of redrawing voting boundaries mid-decade rather than waiting for the standard post-census redistricting cycle, aiming to secure additional congressional seats for their party. This maneuver triggered similar redistricting efforts in other states controlled by both political parties seeking electoral advantages.

Who is affected

Texas voters
Republican and Democratic candidates in Texas congressional races
The Texas state legislature (Republican-controlled)
The Texas Republican governor
California voters (indirectly, as their state also redrew maps)
Democrat and Republican-led states that redrew their maps in response
The balance of power in the US House of Representatives

What action is being taken

The federal court is blocking Texas from using its redrawn voting maps in the 2026 midterm election
The court is ordering Texas to use the maps created in 2021 instead
The case is being appealed (described as "likely to be appealed before the Supreme Court")

Why it matters

This ruling has significant implications for electoral fairness and the balance of congressional power. The decision addresses racial gerrymandering, which undermines democratic representation by diluting minority voting power. The case also highlights how partisan redistricting can cascade across states, with both parties manipulating district boundaries for political advantage. The outcome will directly impact which party controls the House of Representatives and affects the fundamental principle of fair representation in American democracy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the likely Supreme Court appeal.

Read full article from source: BBC