Emergency Appeal Filed
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed an emergency application with the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn a lower court's preliminary injunction that blocked the state's newly passed congressional map. The appeal aims to allow Texas to implement its 2025 congressional map for the upcoming 2026 elections.
On November 21, 2025, Justice Samuel Alito, who oversees emergency appeals from the 5th Circuit, granted an administrative stay, temporarily restoring the 2025 map. This pause will remain in effect while the full Supreme Court considers the state's appeal.
Lower Court's Ruling and Map Background
The legal challenge stems from a November 18, 2025, ruling by a three-judge federal district court panel in El Paso. The panel issued a 2-1 decision, finding that civil rights groups challenging the map were 'likely to prove at trial that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 map.'
The lower court's injunction ordered Texas to use its 2021 congressional map for the 2026 elections instead of the new 2025 version. The 2025 map was passed by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in August 2025. This new map was reportedly designed to give Republicans five additional House seats.
Arguments from Both Sides
Attorney General Paxton has strongly defended the 2025 map, asserting that it was drawn for legitimate partisan purposes, which is lawful, rather than for racial discrimination. He accused 'Radical left-wing activists' of 'abusing the judicial system to derail the Republican agenda and steal the U.S. House for Democrats.'
Conversely, civil rights organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the NAACP, contend that the 2025 map constitutes racial gerrymandering. They argue that the map dilutes the voting power of Black and Hispanic voters, violating the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. The lower court's ruling noted 'Substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 Map.'
The dispute also involves the influence of former President Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Texas to redraw its congressional boundaries to help Republicans maintain a narrow majority in the U.S. House.
Implications for the 2026 Elections
The state's emergency appeal highlighted the impending December 8 deadline for candidate filing for the March 2026 primary elections. Texas argued that the injunction caused 'chaos' and a 'very real risk of preventing candidates from being placed on the ballot,' necessitating immediate intervention from the Supreme Court.
Justice Alito's administrative stay provides a temporary resolution, allowing the 2025 map to be used while the Supreme Court deliberates. The high court has requested responses from the plaintiffs by November 24, 2025, as it considers the full merits of the appeal.
6 Comments
Muchacha
While states have the right to draw their own districts, the evidence suggesting racial gerrymandering here is concerning. We need fair representation for all voters.
Mariposa
This case highlights the ongoing tension between a state's legislative power and the protection of civil rights. Both the need for clear election procedures and the prevention of discriminatory practices are vital.
Michelangelo
Another attack on voting rights. This map must be struck down.
Habibi
Good, states should control their own elections. Stop the overreach!
Coccinella
Partisan gerrymandering is a long-standing issue, but crossing the line into racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional. It's difficult to separate the two, but the lower court found strong evidence here.
BuggaBoom
Gerrymandering, especially racial, undermines democracy. Fight this!