The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Texas over its redrawn congressional maps, accusing the state of racial gerrymandering that strips Black voters of political power. The suit, joined by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, names Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson as defendants.
The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction against the maps, arguing they violate the US Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Gary Bledsoe, president of the Texas NAACP, said extremists are pushing African Americans back to a time of denied personhood. Derrick Johnson, NAACP CEO, noted that Texas is only 40% white but white voters control over 73% of congressional seats.
Texas Republicans passed the redrawn map on Saturday, expected to increase Republican representation by five seats. Democratic state legislators, a minority in both chambers, had spent nearly a month away to deny a quorum but returned after California began countering with its own gerrymander. The League of United Latin American Citizens also filed a suit.
The US Supreme Court will hear Louisiana v Callais, which could weaken Voting Rights Act protections. Without those, Republican lawmakers nationwide could redraw maps for partisan advantage. The NAACP is urging California, New York, and other states to redistrict to counter expected efforts in Texas.
