State of Texas

Texas Redistricting Challenge (LULAC)

League of United Latin American Citizens v. Abbott

Lawsuit filed on behalf of the Texas Latino Redistricting Task Force, which includes the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, Mi Familia Vota, other groups and Texas voters challenging the state’s new redistricting plans drawn with 2020 census data. The complaint alleges that 1) the state’s congressional, legislative and board of education maps based on 2010 census data are unconstitutionally malapportioned in violation of the 14th Amendment and should be blocked from use in future elections and 2) the state’s current plans for new congressional, legislative and board of education maps based on 2020 census data intentionally dilute the voting strength of Latino communities in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The case was consolidated with eight others challenging Texas’ redistricting results, with this case being designated as the lead where future filings can be found. Litigation is ongoing, but the challenged maps will not be changed before the 2022 elections.

Multiple Texas legislators are fighting deposition subpoenas, arguing that they are protected by legislative privilege. After the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied their request to stay (meaning pause) the case while the legislators litigated this issue, the legislators filed an emergency application in the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court denied the application. Litigation regarding deposition and document subpoenas seeking information from state legislators is ongoing in both the 5th Circuit and the district court.

Additionally, the Brooks plaintiffs appealed a three-judge panel’s May 4 decision denying their motion for a preliminary injunction regarding the state Senate map — specifically Senate District 10 — to the U.S. Supreme Court. Their motion for a preliminary injunction sought to prohibit Texas from using the newly enacted state Senate map — which was allegedly drawn in a manner that intentionally diluted minority voting power and amounted to a racial gerrymander — for the 2022 election cycle. On Nov. 21, 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal.

Litigation is ongoing in the district court.

Case Documents (District court)

Case Documents (5th Circuit)

Case Documents (u.s. supreme court)

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