Abbott shows “his top priority is advancing anti-Muslim bigotry, not serving the people of Texas,” one of the groups said in a statement.

The decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal.

Rep. Troy Nehls of Richmond was among House Republicans who had previously opposed releasing the files, but reversed their stances this week.