After nine days of testimony, a panel of three federal judges has finished hearing the case over whether Republicans intentionally weakened minority voting power when redrawing the Texas congressional map.  The judges will now decide if the map can be used in the 2026 elections.

Here’s what we know:

Republican lawmakers redrew our congressional map this summer in a process shrouded in secrecy—one that minority advocates say was designed to weaken the voting power of Black and Latino Texans.  Federal courts since 2019 have deemed partisan gerrymandering legal, while racial discrimination in redistricting is against the law.  During the hearing, Texas officials claimed the map was drawn for “partisan” reasons, not racial ones.  But the evidence tells a different story.

New testimony revealed that the redraw was directed by national Republican operatives—coordinating directly with the Trump White House and the U.S. Department of Justice.  The mapmaker himself, Adam Kincaid, admitted to deleting messages, ignoring public input, and following political marching orders instead of listening to Texans.

Plaintiff groups acting on behalf of minority Texans including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, made it clear in closing arguments—this was not about politics.  It was an intentional effort to dilute minority representation, and that’s illegal.

Now, the judges’ decision will determine whether Texans get the fair representation we deserve—or face another election under an illegal map.  With candidate filing for 2026 starting November 8, a ruling could come any day—and no matter what, it’s likely to head to the Supreme Court next.

As you know, the Texas Justice Fund has been at the forefront of this fight, taking on the state to ensure our maps are fair and our democracy stays strong.  But these legal battles are long and costly—and TJF needs our help.

Together, we can make sure every Texan’s vote counts equally—and keep fighting for fair maps and fair representation.

Thanks,

Team Lizzie

P.S. Don’t forget to join Team Lizzie TOMORROW, Oct. 15 for a virtual phonebank with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs to support Proposition 50 in California. 

This ballot initiative, the Election Rigging Response Act, would allow mid-decade redistricting to undo GOP power grabs—but only if it passes.