Texas Republicans on Wednesday are set to advance a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democratic-held U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The move comes after a dramatic two-week walkout by Democratic lawmakers, who returned only this week to allow the Legislature to resume.
This rare mid-decade redistricting, notoriously unusual outside the 10-year census cycle, was undertaken at the direct urging of President Donald Trump, who is looking to strengthen his party’s fragile grip on the U.S. House of Representatives. The GOP currently controls just 25 of Texas’ 38 districts and sees this effort as critical to national survival.
A Redistricting War Across America
The battle is not confined to Texas. Republican-led states like Ohio, Florida, Indiana, and Missouri are preparing or considering similar redraws, while Democrats in California, Maryland, and Illinois are pushing back with maps of their own.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has gone a step further—vowing to redraw California’s map to flip five GOP seats in retaliation, effectively setting up a political clash between the nation’s most populous red and blue states.
Walkout, Lawsuits, and Arrest Warrants
Earlier this month, Democrats fled the state to break quorum and stall the map’s passage. Republicans responded with lawsuits, arrest warrants, and even orders for law enforcement to track legislators.
The standoff ended when Democrats returned Monday, claiming victory in delaying the first special legislative session and sparking nationwide pushback. Some lawmakers, like Representative Nicole Collier, even camped inside the Capitol overnight to avoid forced police escorts.
Civil Rights Concerns and Legal Battles Ahead
Critics say the GOP map deliberately dilutes minority voting power, an alleged violation of federal law. Civil rights groups and Democratic leaders have already signaled their intent to challenge the plan in court, warning that Texas could become ground zero for a new wave of gerrymandering lawsuits.
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Trump’s High-Risk Bet
For Trump and Republicans, the gamble is clear: secure more safe seats before heading into a midterm cycle where history and sagging approval ratings suggest losses. Nationally, Republicans currently hold the House by only three seats, leaving the majority highly vulnerable.
Whether Texas’ bold maneuver cements GOP dominance or sparks a backlash that unravels their hold on Congress remains to be seen.
