Federal judges block Texas from using its new US House map in the 2026 midterms

A panel of federal judges blocked Texas from using a new congressional map drawn by Republicans, citing racial gerrymandering. The map aimed to secure additional GOP seats, but critics argued it reduced minority influence, violating the Voting Rights Act. The decision followed a trial in El Paso, with judges appointed by Trump, Reagan, and Obama. The ruling dealt a blow to Trump's efforts to help GOP lawmakers redraw maps to preserve their House majority in the 2026 midterms.