The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas’ 2026 congressional redistricting plan—supported by former President Donald Trump—likely discriminates on the basis of race.
The emergency order, signed by Justice Samuel Alito, will remain in effect for the next few days as the court considers whether the new map, favorable to Republicans, can be used in the upcoming midterm elections.
The conservative-majority Supreme Court has previously blocked similar lower-court rulings when they occurred close to elections, citing potential confusion for voters.
The order came shortly after Texas officials asked the high court to intervene to prevent disruption as congressional primary elections approach in March. Past examples include interventions in Alabama and Louisiana, where the court blocked lower-court redistricting decisions made just months before elections.
Alito signed the order because he is the justice responsible for handling emergency appeals from Texas.