Judge calls new Texas election law unconstitutional but state says it will appeal ruling

By JUAN A. LOZANO
Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — A judge has called a new law unconstitutional that passed in the GOP-led Texas Legislature that will dictate how elections are run in the state’s most populous county. Harris County is a Democratic stronghold and home to Houston. The law, which would abolish a position that oversees elections in Harris County, was temporarily blocked on Monday by state District Judge Karin Crump in Austin after county officials filed a lawsuit earlier this month. But the judge’s order was short-lived. Several hours later, it was put on hold after the Texas Attorney General’s Office filed a notice that it will appeal to the Texas Supreme Court.