Supreme Court Reverses Lower Court's Ruling on TX Redistricting, Upholds GOP-Drawn Map

On Monday, the Supreme Court struck down a lower court's ruling that had blocked redistricting in Texas.

The Details: The Supreme Court upheld the new congressional map in Texas and blocked a lower court ruling that had ruled against its use. Liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Kentanji Brown Jackson dissented. In December, the Supreme Court had temporarily approved Texas' map, and Monday's ruling cements the new map and puts an end to lawsuits claiming the new Texas map was racially discriminatory. The Supreme Court cited its December stay as justification for the decision. In that ruling, the Supreme Court cited a "presumption of legislative good faith" and found that the plaintiffs had not produced a "viable alternative."

Key Quotes: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote, "Radical left-wing groups attempted to sabotage Texas's lawful redistricting efforts, but the Supreme Court's ruling is a clear rejection of these meritless attacks and a victory for the rule of law." State Representative Gene Wu (D-Houston), who led Texas Democrats in leaving Texas last year to delay a vote, said, "Greg Abbott should not confuse this ruling for a victory ... California and Virginia have answered and leveled the playing field, and Democrats across the country are still fighting back."

For Context: Last August, Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) signed the redistricting bill and kicked off a nationwide redistricting battle as Republicans, at President Donald Trump's request, sought to keep their majority in the US House of Representatives.

How the Media Covered It: The Supreme Court decision was widely covered across the political spectrum, with both Fox News (Right bias) and Raw Story (Left) calling it a GOP win. USA Today (Lean Left) focused on the reaction of Texas Democrats who say that the new congressional map will dilute minority voices in the state.

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