Texas drew a 2025 congressional map intended to expand the GOP by potentially gaining up to five seats, but it cut minority-majority districts from 16 to 14 and eliminated several coalition districts while adding new Hispanic-majority and Black-majority districts.

Civil rights groups representing Black and Hispanic voters challenged the map, arguing it reduced minority influence and violated constitutional protections.

Critics say the map amounts to a partisan power grab aimed at protecting a Republican majority, while supporters contend it creates additional minority-majority districts and strengthens minority voting power.

Judge Jeffrey Brown signed a ruling blocking the 2025 map, suggesting the decision will likely be appealed, potentially up to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The ruling aligns with broader constitutional challenges to racial gerrymandering and could influence upcoming Supreme Court considerations on voting rights.

Legal avenues to restore the 2025 map for 2026 remain uncertain, with rapid appeals possible given the federal voting-rights litigation context.

The case centers on control of the U.S. House and could reshape power balances depending on how the Supreme Court handles the appeal.

Democrats hailed the ruling as a check on attempts to “steal our democracy,” while Republicans signaled intent to pursue higher-court appeals, possibly reaching the Supreme Court.

The decision emphasizes that the public record shows the draw was more than political strategy, highlighting legal risks tied to racial considerations in district boundaries.

The order directs that the 2026 House elections proceed under the 2021 map, with a December filing deadline for candidates’ primaries.

Analysts say the ruling could set a precedent affecting how coalition districts and minority voting power are treated in future redistricting fights.

The decision comes amid federal proceedings and potential direct appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court under redistricting-related federal law.