AUSTIN, Texas _ Ruling that the Legislature created congressional maps with the intent to discriminate against minority voters, a federal court Tuesday ordered two districts to be redrawn, including one based in Travis County and another that includes part of Bastrop County.
In its unanimous ruling, the three-judge panel gave Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton three days to advise the court on "whether the Legislature intends to take up redistricting in an effort to cure these violations and, if so, when the matter will be considered."
If the Legislature passes, the court will hold a hearing beginning Sept. 5 "to consider remedial plans."
The ruling will require a new District 35, currently held by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas. In practical terms, the order will change nearby districts, particularly in Travis County, which was partitioned into five congressional districts represented by four Republicans and Doggett.
The judges also voided District 27, held by U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas _ which includes the Coastal Bend along the Gulf of Mexico and stretches north to include southern Bastrop County. Previously, the district extended south to Brownsville and was heavily Latino.
Although the judges had previously found problems with District 23 _ held by U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas _ Tuesday's ruling said that district did not have to be redrawn.
The court also rejected arguments that districts around Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth had to redrawn to increase minority voting strength in some areas.
The court, based in San Antonio, has not yet ruled on a similar challenge to districts drawn for the 150 seats in the Texas House.
