Why Redistricting in Calif., Texas Aren’t the Same

Texas Republicans received an unwelcome shock this week when a federal court blocked their new congressional districts from taking effect in the 2026 midterms. If they’re hoping that ruling is a bad sign for California’s map, though, they may be disappointed.

Both states argue they redistricted for political reasons, which is legal. Both are being sued by individuals who say the remaps are actually about race, which is not legal. But only Texas has a paper trail that may lend credence to the race argument, experts say.

The Texas case may have more bearing on California’s if the US Supreme ...