Not since the 1800s have so many states tried to redraw U.S. House district boundaries without a new Census.

An approaching primary election was a factor in Thursday’s Supreme Court decision to set aside a lower court’s ruling that had blocked the Republican-backed map from taking effect. A key question moving forward is whether the lines were redrawn based on race or partisan politics.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for a Texas congressional map that may help the GOP win five more U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterms. A lower court found the map is likely unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court is allowing Texas to move forward with its new congressional map while a larger legal battle continues.

Texas lawmakers redrew congressional lines ahead of the 2026 midterms, and the Supreme Court signed off. Large portions of Corpus Christi now have a new district and new representation.

AUSTIN — Texas can use its newly drawn congressional map in next year’s elections, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday, reversing a lower court ruling and dealing a victory to President Donald Trump’s hopes of keeping control of Congress in the midterm elections.

Texas officials had asked the court to allow the state to use the new maps in the midterm elections, part of a push by President Trump to gain a partisan advantage.

The Supreme Court decision Thursday allowing Texas to use its newest congressional map will intensify the ongoing redistricting arms race, multiple election law experts said. Thursday’s order faulted a 2-1 panel of lower court judges for stepping in on the “eve” of next year’s election to order the Lone Star State to use its prior

Texas approved a new congressional map this summer after Trump urged state GOP lawmakers to craft new House district lines to help Republicans hold onto their majority in the 2026 midterms.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a progressive firebrand who currently represents Texas' 30th congressional district, launched a bid for the U.S. Senate on Monday.