Following a federal court ruling that blocked Texas from using its newly enacted 2025 congressional map, Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) filed an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court that has gained support from fellow Republican Leaders.
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R) and John Cornyn (R) have submitted an amicus brief urging the Court to keep the map in place as the state approaches the 2026 election cycle.
Their brief centers on the Purcell principle, the long-standing judicial doctrine that warns federal courts against changing election rules close to an election. The senators argue the district court's injunction, which orders Texas to revert to its 2021 map, directly contradicts that principle.
"The Constitution entrusts redistricting matters to the states and to state legislators," said Cruz. "The federal district court's preliminary injunction was not made on the merits of the case, runs counter to precedent and to principles of federalism, and undermines the prerogatives of Texas lawmakers and the will of Texas voters."
He added that the Supreme Court should act quickly "to provide certainty in our election maps and rules as we approach deadlines for the 2026 election."
Cornyn shared the same concerns, stating, "The Texas legislature holds the authority to redraw the state's congressional districts, and as we quickly approach the 2026 election, it is critical for both voters and candidates that the State's new map be in place."
"I'm proud to file this amicus brief... to help ensure Texans get a fair election next year using the congressional district map passed by the Texas legislature," he added.
Their filing also criticizes the district court for finding that eight of the state's 38 districts were racially gerrymandered and for ordering a return to the 2021 map. The brief argues that the ruling has caused "massive disruption, chaos, and confusion" for election officials, candidates, and voters.
