(DailyVantage.com) – District Judge Karin Crump ruled that a Texas election law, which would abolish the oversight of elections in Harris County, was unconstitutional. The law, now blocked by the judge, would have taken effect on Sept. 1 and was the Republican response to the accusation that Harris County officials mismanaged recent elections. Almost two dozen Republican candidates have filed lawsuits against Harris County, alleging that their losses are due to illegal vote casting and various problems with election management.
Texas remains a likely Republican state, according to the Cook Political Report, ahead of the 2024 presidential election. However, Texas has notably trended to the left statewide, especially in 2018, when Sen. Ted Cruz won by only a 2-point margin. With the growing competitiveness in Texas, Republicans are becoming increasingly protective of their political viability in the state.
However, Democrats don’t believe the Republican attacks are in good faith since this singles out an urban county essential to the Texas Democrat’s electoral strategy. Democrats assert this is just an example of Republicans throwing a fit over losing elections, which they believe were fair regardless of Republican assertions otherwise.
In the order, Crump wrote that the law was unreasonable and arbitrary in its singling out of one county, stating that the new law would only apply to Texas counties with a population of 3.5 million residents and that the language would exempt Harris County due to its excess over this amount. Additionally, Crump ruled that the Texas Constitution prevents the state legislature from passing laws that are not uniform throughout the state. She also showed concern for the potential disruption of the Houston mayoral election.
Republicans intend to appeal this decision, believing this case will make its way to the Texas Supreme Court, where Republicans think it will go in their favor. Texas is notable for its use of political party affiliations in the judiciary. With nine seats on the court, Republicans hold control with all nine members. However, the judicial branch of government is independent, meaning that regardless of affiliation, it will have its own decision-making framework, which is separate from how lawmakers make decisions.
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