Lloyd Doggett

The Texas Democrat said a recent court ruling blocking the political maps that were signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) over the summer was responsible for his political resurrection. The state is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.

“A U.S. district court order means that I have a renewed opportunity to continue serving the only town I have ever called home, as democracy faces greater challenges than at any point in my lifetime,” Doggett said. “While this decision, led by a [President Donald] Trump-appointed judge, will be appealed, I am hopeful about the final outcome to stop this illegal, racial gerrymander.”

Doggett had previously indicated he would retire back in August, when state Republicans won their battle to pass a map that merged Rep. Greg Casar’s (D-TX) and Doggett’s districts. Facing a likely primary challenge from Casar, Doggett said he would step aside, explaining, “I prefer to devote the coming months to fighting Trump tyranny and serving Austin rather than waging a struggle with fellow Democrats.”

While Doggett sounded an optimistic note this week, his future remains uncertain.

DOJ CHALLENGES CALIFORNIA’S PROP 50 MAP IN ESCALATING FIGHT OVER HOUSE MAJORITY

Texas is taking the redistricting case to the Supreme Court, after a federal judge ruled Tuesday that the new political maps were an unlawful racial gerrymander.