Federal Court Strikes Down Gerrymandered Texas Maps, Potentially Swinging 5 House Seats to Democrats

Federal Court Strikes Down Gerrymandered Texas Maps, Potentially Costing Republicans Five House Seats A three-judge panel in the US District Court for the Washington, D.C. Circuit has ruled against the gerrymandered Texas maps, which were enacted under pressure from the Trump administration. The decision, issued on November 18, 2025, could reshape the 2026 midterm elections and potentially cost Republicans up to five House seats. According to court documents, the Trump administration's Justice Department inadvertently aided the Democratic Party by failing to properly review the maps for compliance with the Voting Rights Act. The decision was made by a panel consisting of Judges Patricia Millett, Robert Wilkins, and Ketanji Brown Jackson. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and other groups, arguing that the maps unfairly diluted the voting power of minority communities. The plaintiffs claimed that the maps were designed to benefit Republican candidates and were in violation of the Voting Rights Act. The immediate impact of the decision is significant, as it could alter the balance of power in the US House of Representatives. If the decision holds, it could potentially flip up to five House seats from Republican to Democratic control. In response to the ruling, Republican lawmakers have expressed disappointment and vowed to appeal the decision. "We are deeply disappointed in the court's ruling and will do everything in our power to protect the integrity of the electoral process," said a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. The background context for this decision is rooted in the 2020 census, which revealed significant demographic changes in Texas. The state's population growth was largely driven by minority communities, who now make up a significant portion of the state's electorate. In response, the Trump administration pressured Texas lawmakers to enact gerrymandered maps that would benefit Republican candidates. As the case moves forward, it is likely that the decision will be appealed to the US Supreme Court. The high court will have to weigh in on the constitutionality of the maps and the Trump administration's role in their creation. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the 2026 midterm elections and the future of electoral politics in the United States.