The Supreme Court decision Thursday allowing Texas to use its newest congressional map will intensify the ongoing redistricting arms race, multiple election law experts said.

Thursday’s order faulted a 2-1 panel of lower court judges for stepping in on the “eve” of next year’s election to order the Lone Star State to use its prior congressional map from 2021.

The lower court had ruled in August against Texas’ new map — finding the state legislature likely discriminated on the basis of race — more than 11 months ahead of next year’s electoral contest and weeks ahead of the state primary filing deadline.

Texas appealed to the Supreme Court, initially asking for a decision by Dec. 1 ahead of a Dec. 8 primary filing deadline.

Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the dissenting Democratic

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