The Texas House on Wednesday approved new congressional maps designed to strengthen Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections, following a push from President Donald Trump. The 88–52 party-line vote sends the measure to the GOP-controlled state Senate and Gov. Greg Abbott.
Democrats staged weeks of protests, fleeing the state to delay the vote before being subjected to police monitoring to ensure attendance. State Rep. John H. Bucy said the plan was “Donald Trump’s map,” accusing Republicans of manufacturing five more GOP seats.
Republicans defended the move as openly partisan. “The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: improve Republican political performance,” said bill sponsor Rep. Todd Hunter. Democrats countered it undermines democracy and risks violating the Voting Rights Act by weakening minority representation.
The Texas action triggered a broader redistricting fight. In California, Democratic lawmakers are preparing their own map that could create five new Democratic-leaning districts, with Gov. Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama backing the effort.
Trump has also encouraged redistricting pushes in Indiana, Missouri, and Ohio, while Democrats are weighing changes in states like Maryland and New York. With Republicans holding the U.S. House by just three votes, both parties see the mid-decade revisions as crucial to control in 2026.
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