Texas officials filed an appeal Monday with the U.S. Supreme Court after a federal court blocked the state from using a newly drawn Congressional map.
The appeal came hours after the judges issued their ruling and adds to ongoing legal battles over redistricting, voting rights, and political representation in Texas.
The blocked map was created by the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature following the latest U.S. Census data to set new boundaries for U.S. House districts. The federal court ruled that the map raised legal concerns under federal voting laws and constitutional protections, preventing its use in upcoming elections.
Texas state leaders asked the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court’s decision, arguing that the Legislature acted within its authority and that the map complies with federal law and the Constitution. The filing requests emergency intervention to allow the map’s use while the legal process continues.
Opponents challenged the map in federal court, claiming it dilutes the voting strength of minority communities and violates the Voting Rights Act and constitutional safeguards. The federal judges examined demographic data and district configurations before issuing an order halting the map.
The dispute reflects population shifts that added Congressional seats to Texas and prompted the Legislature to redraw districts. The outcome could affect ballot preparations, candidate filing periods, and other election logistics in the state.
The Supreme Court has not yet said whether it will hear the case or issue a temporary order.