Several Democratic-aligned and civil rights groups are preparing to sue over a proposed set of new congressional lines in Texas as lawmakers aim to advance a GOP-friendly map ahead of 2026. The National Redistricting Foundation, the NRF’s nonprofit arm, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), and League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) filed a motion on Monday asking a federal court in Texas to set aside time for a hearing once the groups file a preliminary injunction that looks to block the Texas House map from taking effect. The filing also asks the court to “vacate, as to the state legislative challenges, its August 11, 2025, order suspending the deadline for submitting proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.”
Texas Republicans are looking to pass a new House map ahead of 2026 amid pressure from the White House, with a goal of picking up a handful of new seats next year. Democrats in California are moving forward to pass their own gerrymandered map, which is expected to go before voters for a vote this November. The motion from the groups underscores opponents getting ready to quickly challenge proposed maps in court. Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation, said that if Governor Abbott signs the new gerrymander into law, the NRF will quickly challenge that map in federal court, and the court must be prepared to intervene and protect the rights of Texans.
