Galveston County's New Map Sets Stage To Dismiss Petteway Redistricting Lawsuit
Galveston County’s Commissioners Court has asked a federal court to dismiss remaining claims in the landmark “Petteway” redistricting case as moot, since the county recently adopted a new precinct map.
In 2024, the case produced a ruling that coalition districts are not required under the Voting Rights Act, prompting Texas to redraw its congressional map in 2025—sparking a national power struggle over congressional redistricting.
In 2021, Galveston County decided to redraw its precinct boundaries to reflect shifting populations in light of the most recent census. As a result, the only African American commissioner was drawn out of his precinct.
Despite the commissioner being offered another seat and refusing, a coalition of Democrat plaintiffs sued, hoping to block the 2021 map and revert to the previous boundaries. The case was styled Petteway v. Galveston County, as Terry Petteway—a local officeholder—was lead plaintiff.
https://texasscorecard.com/local/galveston-countys-new-map-sets-stage-to-dismiss-petteway-redistricting-lawsuit/