Texas House Approves GOP-Favored Redistricting Maps Backed by Trump Ahead of 2026 Polls
Trump-backed Texas redistricting clears House vote, deepening partisan clash. California prepares counter-maps; Obama urges Democrats to respond.
Texas GOP Pushes Through New Maps to Protect Slim House Majority Before 2026 Midterms
Austin: The Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives has passed a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan designed to add up to five GOP-leaning seats, bolstering President Donald Trump’s 2026 midterm strategy.
The bill passed 88-52 along party lines and now heads to the state Senate and Governor Greg Abbott’s desk—though Abbott has already signaled approval. The move follows Trump’s call for states to redraw maps early to secure Republican control of the U.S. House.
Why This Matters → A National Partisan Battle
♦ The redrawn map aims to cement the GOP’s slim U.S. House majority.
♦ Democrats walked out for two weeks in protest but were forced back under police monitoring to ensure quorum.
♦ The Texas vote is expected to trigger a counter-move in California, where Democrats are preparing to approve a map creating five new Democratic seats.
Open GOP Acknowledgment of Partisan Goals
State Rep. Todd Hunter (R), author of the legislation, admitted the maps were designed purely to improve Republican performance, citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent allowing partisan gerrymandering.
“The underlying goal is straightforward: improve Republican political performance,” Hunter said after nearly eight hours of debate.
Democratic Response and Legal Challenge
Democrats argue the plan undermines representative democracy.
“In a democracy, people choose their representatives. This bill flips that on its head,” said State Rep. Chris Turner (D).
Party leaders have pledged to challenge the map in court, calling it a power grab enacted before the legislature addressed urgent disaster-relief bills following deadly Texas floods.
National Fallout → Obama, Newsom Respond
♦ California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vowed to “fight fire with fire,” promising a Democratic redistricting plan.
♦ Former President Barack Obama endorsed Newsom’s approach as “responsible,” warning that failing to counter GOP efforts would weaken American democracy.
