A federal court has blocked Texas from using a new congressional map for the 2026 elections and ordered the state to use the district lines adopted in 2021.
The ruling determines how Texas will organize its U.S. House of Representatives elections in the upcoming cycle and keeps the map drawn after the 2020 census, which was used in the 2022 elections.
The court’s order requires Texas officials to plan the 2026 congressional elections under the 2021 district boundaries. Election administrators must follow those lines for primaries, general contests, ballots, voter registration, and related procedures. The decision applies statewide and includes all congressional districts.
The 2021 map was created by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature during regular redistricting.
The federal court agreed, blocking the newer map and directing the state to maintain the 2021 configuration unless a different plan meets federal requirements. The order ensures compliance with standards for equal representation and voter protections.
State election officials must now follow the court’s directive for deadlines, materials, and voter assignments. County offices will organize precincts using the existing boundaries. Candidate filings for the 2026 election will occur under the 2021 map, subject to any later court or legislative action that satisfies federal standards.
