Court Of Appeals Hears Arguments In Pasadena’s Voting Rights Lawsuit

PASADENA, TX -- The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is hearing arguments today from attorneys representing the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in their lawsuit against the City of Pasadena.

The court of appeals agreed last month to hear arguments after U.S. District Court Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled on Jan. 6 against Pasadena’s voting district configuration for city council seats, violated the Voting Rights Act, and diluted Latino voting power.

After Rosenthal ruled against Pasadena, and ordered the city to return to the pre-2013 eight single member districts, Pasadena residents began signing up to run for council seats with several members, including embattled Mayor Johnny Isbell, prohibited from running because of term limits.

City leaders asked Judge Rosenthal to postpone her ruling for the eight single-member districts, which she refused, prompting the city ask the court of appeals to hear the case.

The court of appeals is expected to rule later this month.

Meanwhile, at last count 19 residents have signed up to run for a seat on the council with five of those vying to replace Isbell.

Sammy Casados and Cody Ray Wheeler are among the only incumbents who’ve signed up for re-election that still do not have a challenger, while two others face opposition in the May election.

The filing deadline for the election is Feb. 17.

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