Texas 2026 Congressional Map Challenge

A federal three-judge panel in El Paso is hearing high-stakes challenges to Texas’ mid‑decade congressional map to decide whether it can be used in the 2026 elections. Plaintiffs including LULAC, MALDEF, civil‑rights groups and dozens of Black and Hispanic voters say the map was drawn to dilute minority voting power and to advantage Republicans, alleging racial intent tied to pressure from President Trump. Texas officials defend the plan as lawful partisan redistricting and argue DOJ guidance and outside opinions did not bind the Legislature. Testimony from state Democrats (Joe Moody, Carol Alvarado, Royce West, Senfronia Thompson) and evidence such as a Department of Justice letter connected to Harmeet K. Dhillon are central to the hearing. The case raises legal questions about coalition districts in the 5th Circuit and intersects with a pending U.S. Supreme Court case from Louisiana that could reshape Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act; the court’s ruling could alter Texas’ congressional delegation and potentially affect control of the U.S. House in 2026.