Supreme Court Restores Texas Congressional Map; California’s Prop 50 Heads to Newly Assigned 3-Judge Panel

Two major election-law battles continue to unfold in Texas and California head

ing into the 2026 cycle. In a rapid development, the U.S. Supreme Court has now stepped into the Texas case, reinstating the state’s Republican-drawn congressional map while the Court considers the full appeal. In California, Proposition 50 remains under federal scrutiny, with a newly appointed three-judge panel set to review the Department of Justice challenge.

Here is where both fronts stand today after the latest updates.

Texas: U.S. Supreme Court Restores Republican-Drawn Congressional Map—For Now

Background

In November 2025, a three-judge federal district court blocked Texas from using its newly drawn congressional districts, ruling the mid-cycle redraw likely diluted Hispanic voting strength and violated the Voting Rights Act. That ruling would have forced the state to revert to its 2020-based map for the 2026 elections.

New Supreme Court Intervention

On November 21, 2025, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito issued an administrative stay reversing the lower-court block and allowing Texas to use its contested map immediately, pending further Supreme Court review.(Reuters, Nov. 21, 2025; Washington Post, Nov. 21, 2025)

According to the order:

• The lower-court injunction is temporarily lifted

• Texas’ new congressional map is back in effect

• The stay remains until the full Supreme Court formally rules

• Briefing deadlines are already scheduled for the coming days

This means Texas will, for now, operate under the Legislature’s most recent congressional boundaries unless the Supreme Court denies the appeal.

Reactions

State officials called the stay a win for legislative authority.Civil-rights groups said the ruling is temporary and expressed confidence their claims will prevail before the full Court.

Who’s Involved

• U.S. Supreme Court

• Justice Samuel Alito

• Texas Legislature

• MALDEF

• LULAC

• NAACP Legal Defense Fund

• U.S. Department of Justice (observer)

• Texas Secretary of State

• Major media coverage: Reuters, Washington Post, AP News, Texas Tribune

• 
  

California: Proposition 50 Faces DOJ Challenge Before Newly Named 3-Judge Panel

Background

Proposition 50, approved by voters in November 2025, changes the rules for how California legislators may be suspended without pay, how certain ethics matters are processed, and how recall-related procedures are handled.

Shortly after certification, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit, arguing Prop 50 may violate federal voting-rights protections and improperly restrict voter choice in certain scenarios.

The 3-Judge Panel Assigned to Hear the Case

The federal judiciary has now appointed the required three-judge panel for Tangipa/DOJ v. Newsom:

• Judge Josephine Staton — U.S. District Court, Central District of California (Obama appointee; Los Angeles)

• Judge Kenneth K. Lee — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Trump appointee; Pasadena)

• Judge Wesley Hsu — U.S. District Court, Central District of California (Biden appointee; Los Angeles)

The ideologically mixed panel signals the court intends to move quickly due to the approaching June 2026 primary.

DOJ’s Position

According to filings reported by Reuters and the Washington Post, DOJ argues that Prop 50:

• May limit voter choice in special elections

• Could structurally disadvantage certain groups

• Alters ballot access without required federal review

  
  

California’s Position

State officials argue:

• Prop 50 strengthens accountability

• Other states have similar provisions

• DOJ is overreaching into state governance

  
  

What Happens Next

The panel will consider:

• Requests for a temporary injunction

• Administrative timelines

• Constitutional questions about legislative discipline and voter rights

A ruling on whether Prop 50 may take effect for June 2026 is expected early next year.

Organizations & Media Following the Case

• U.S. DOJ

• California Attorney General

• Secretary of State Shirley Weber

• Voting-rights advocacy groups

• Los Angeles Times

• Associated Press

• Politico

• CalMatters

• Washington Post

  
  

Why Both Battles Matter

Combined, these two cases highlight:

• The growing role of federal courts in election law

• New constraints on mid-cycle redistricting

• Heightened scrutiny of state-level ballot and legislative processes

• The potential for rapid judicial intervention close to major elections

Both cases have national implications and could set precedent ahead of the 2026 cycle.

What to Watch

Texas

• Will SCOTUS uphold Texas’ map or reinstate the lower-court ruling?

• Will additional emergency filings occur in December?

  
  

California

• Will the three-judge panel pause Prop 50?

• What deadlines will the panel impose ahead of the June primary?

Both issues will shape voter access, representation, and political control heading into 2026.