Federal court rejects Texas redistricting map

A panel of federal judges threw out Texas redistricting plans Tuesday saying the state failed to show the new political lines would not discriminate against minorities under the Voting Rights Act.

Texas also failed to show that the new political lines were “not enacted with discriminatory purpose” when passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

“Accordingly, we deny Texas declaratory relief,” the three judges said in a 154-page ruling released by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

“This is absolutely a victory for Texas and for minority voters to elect a candidate of their choice,” said Trey Martinez Fischer with the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, which opposed the redistricting plans.

Texas is one of 16 mostly southern states that must receive pre-approval, or preclearance, to changes in voting procedures under the Voting Rights Act because of a history of discrimination.

Greg Abbott, the Texas attorney general, filed suit seeking a declaratory ruling by the three court panel to implement the state redistricting plans.

Abbott argued that the new districts did not discriminate against Hispanics or African Americans, but, instead, were drawn to consolidate Republican power.

Abbott’s office issued a statement, pledging to appeal the judge’s ruling.

“Today’s decision extends the Voting Rights Act beyond the limits intended by Congress and beyond the boundaries imposed by the Constitution,” Abbott said.

“The Attorney General’s Office will continue defending the maps enacted by the Texas Legislature and will immediately take steps to appeal this flawed decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Washington DC court’s decision applies to the maps originally enacted by the Texas Legislature – so the November elections will proceed as planned under the interim maps drawn by the federal court in San Antonio.”