With a three-judge panel invalidating the lines of one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country late last week, redistricting is once again in the political spotlight.

The Texas case was a reminder that redistricting litigation, which played out in the lead-up to the 2016 elections, is still ongoing across the country. It could result in Rep. Will Hurd’s district becoming more favorable for Democrats in 2018,

Congressional maps in North Carolina and Maryland are still being challenged, with the impact on next year’s midterms yet to be determined.

The Texas effect

Friday’s late-night decision out of San Antonio came as a surprise — even to political junkies and legal scholars.

“It’s fair to say, everyone was caught off guard” said Michael Li, senior counsel for the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program.