Supreme Court Allows Texas to Use Disputed Congressional Map

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that Texas may use its current congressional district map for the 2026 elections. A lower federal court had previously found the map likely violates the U.S. Constitution. That lower court determined the map is an illegal racial gerrymander. "Gerrymandering" is the practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one political group. The decision is a significant development for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Analysts project the map could help Republican candidates secure up to five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Supreme Court's order does not address the map's legality. It only permits its use while the state appeals the lower court's ruling. The full appeal process is expected to continue for several months.