Texas Appeals Supreme Court on Redistricting Ahead of Elections

WASHINGTON (AP) — Texas filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court on Friday, seeking permission to use a redistricting plan beneficial to Republicans, despite a lower court ruling suggesting that it discriminates based on race. The state aims to clarify the electoral map as congressional primary elections approach in March 2026.

The new congressional map, reshaped during the summer, was developed under former President Donald Trump’s recommendations to maintain Republican dominance ahead of next year’s elections. Federal judges in El Paso ruled against this plan earlier in the week, indicating civil rights groups likely have valid claims that the map constitutes racial gerrymandering.

If the ruling stands, Texas may revert to the previous map established by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2021, based on the most recent census. The updated map was designed to secure five additional seats for Republicans, sparking a redistricting controversy that has permeated across multiple states.

Texas officials emphasized the urgency of their appeal, pointing to the ongoing campaign efforts, with candidates already filing for primaries. “Campaigning had already begun, and early voting for the March 3, 2026, primary was only 91 days away,” they noted in their filing.

Justice Samuel Alito temporarily halted the use of the new map while the court evaluates the case, indicating the appeal will be handled expeditiously.

In their appeal, Texas officials claimed the lower court’s decision caused chaos, asserting that the attempt to block the new districts was politically motivated. “This summer, the Texas Legislature did what legislatures do: politics,” they argued. However, the court’s analysis suggested race played a significant role in the redistricting process.

The state contends that previous decisions regarding redistricting have favored certain political interests, with Texas focusing on increasing Republican representation. “For years, Democrats have aggressively gerrymandered their states,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asserted.

Meanwhile, as the redistricting battles continue, the Supreme Court is considering other cases that may shape congressional district lines nationwide, including a separate challenge from Louisiana concerning the Voting Rights Act.

The timeline for a final decision remains uncertain, but key deadlines are approaching for candidates in Texas, with a filing deadline set for December 8.