Federal Judges Halt Texas' GOP-Driven Redistricting Plan

Federal judges have blocked Texas' attempt to implement a new congressional map designed to shift several seats to Republican control for upcoming elections. The map, approved by Texas lawmakers and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, is part of a nationwide partisan redistricting battle following President Trump's call for GOP-led states to redraw maps in their favor.

A significant legal development occurred Tuesday as federal judges barred Texas from proceeding with its controversial new congressional map. The map, which the state's Republican-led legislature approved, aims to convert several Democratic U.S. House seats to Republican control ahead of the midterm elections.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the legislation into law on August 29, following intense drama where over 50 Democratic lawmakers temporarily left the state to stall the vote. This step was seen as aligning with President Donald Trump's direction to Republican-run states to solidify Republican standings in Congress by redistricting.

In response, California announced its redistricting initiative, targeting Republican-held districts, a move approved by voters in November's elections. Other states have similarly embarked on or threatened comparable redistricting efforts, underscoring the growing nationwide political realignment challenge.

(With inputs from agencies.)