The SCOTUS just granted a stay for the drawing of the Texas Congressional and State House Maps drawn by 3 judges in San Antonio.  The State Legislature  with signature by Governor Perry created their maps but the Obama DOJ blocked the maps under the VRA saying not enough districts were created for the expanding Hispanic population in the state and so a 3 judge panel in San Antonio was named and they created maps tilting towards the Democrats.  The state of Texas filled suit to SCOTUS.

The Supreme Court will hear oral argument for January 9. The court allotted one hour for oral argument.

It is unclear for the moment what this means for Texas elections. For now, there are no legally enforceable maps for state house, senate, or congressional districts, but filing for other races continues with a December 15 deadline. It’s not clear though whether the primary will be moved or will be bifurcated as the State of Texas has suggested.

It’s also unclear what this means for candidates who have filed for office or resigned from office in anticipation of filing. Will candidates be entitled to their filing fees back? Will candidates who resigned from office under ‘resign to run’ laws be entitled to rescind their decisions?

The order also leaves party organization somewhat in confusion since parties organize conventions and select national delegates by state senate districts or congressional districts.

Stay Tuned.  This case will be huge not only into connection to Legislature vs Judicial Map Drawing but also on VRA question.  Why do certain states still have to propose their maps to DOJ while others do not?  I would think we have moved past Civil War