The Texas Senate approved a new congressional map early Saturday designed to give Republicans up to five additional House seats in next year’s midterm elections , clearing the final legislative hurdle before it heads to Governor Greg Abbott for signature.
The approval comes after weeks of dramatic political manoeuvring, including a two-week Democratic walkout from the Texas House aimed at blocking the legislation.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows countered by locking the chamber doors and requiring Democrats to sign permission slips to be escorted by the Department of Public Safety if they left, according to CNN.
Some Democrats refused, staying in the House for multiple nights, while others vowed a legal fight once the maps are enacted. “This fight is far from over,” said House Democratic leader Gene Wu, as quoted by CNN.
The map, heavily supported by US President Donald Trump , is intended to help Republicans retain control of Congress in 2026 by favouring GOP candidates. Senate sponsor Phil King said, “The new maps should elect more Republicans to the US Congress, but I’m here to tell you, there are no guarantees”, as quoted by news agency AP.
The redistricting push in Texas sparked a nationwide reaction. California Democrats , led by Governor Gavin Newsom, approved their own new congressional maps on Thursday to potentially gain five additional House seats.
Unlike Texas, California voters must approve the plan via a constitutional amendment in the November 4 election, temporarily overriding the state’s independent redistricting commission.
Democrats argue the Texas move was partisan and unfair. State senator Catherine Blakespear was quoted as saying by CNN that Republicans “started this madness…to cheat to win congressional midterm elections under their unpopular president”. California’s effort, she added, is aimed at “levelling the national playing field”.
Newsom described it as “the most democratic redistricting effort that has been advanced,” emphasising voter approval as a key safeguard.
In Texas, Democratic representative Lloyd Doggett announced he will not seek reelection if the new map is upheld, avoiding a clash with representative Greg Casar, whose district is redrawn to favour Republicans, according to news agency AFP.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are moving to fine Democrats who fled the state, with some assessed costs exceeding $9,000 each for quorum-breaking.
The mid-decade redistricting battle is likely to spread to other Republican-controlled states, including Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Indiana, and South Carolina, while Democratic governors in Illinois, Maryland, and New York are exploring ways to redraw districts to their advantage.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the escalating fight as “game on”, as per CNN.
Experts note that while mid-decade redistricting is unusual, the Supreme Court permits partisan gerrymandering as long as it does not explicitly discriminate by race, according to AP.
Both parties are now preparing for what could be a nationwide, high-stakes battle for control of the House in 2026.
The approval comes after weeks of dramatic political manoeuvring, including a two-week Democratic walkout from the Texas House aimed at blocking the legislation.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows countered by locking the chamber doors and requiring Democrats to sign permission slips to be escorted by the Department of Public Safety if they left, according to CNN.
Some Democrats refused, staying in the House for multiple nights, while others vowed a legal fight once the maps are enacted. “This fight is far from over,” said House Democratic leader Gene Wu, as quoted by CNN.
The map, heavily supported by US President Donald Trump , is intended to help Republicans retain control of Congress in 2026 by favouring GOP candidates. Senate sponsor Phil King said, “The new maps should elect more Republicans to the US Congress, but I’m here to tell you, there are no guarantees”, as quoted by news agency AP.
The redistricting push in Texas sparked a nationwide reaction. California Democrats , led by Governor Gavin Newsom, approved their own new congressional maps on Thursday to potentially gain five additional House seats.
Unlike Texas, California voters must approve the plan via a constitutional amendment in the November 4 election, temporarily overriding the state’s independent redistricting commission.
Democrats argue the Texas move was partisan and unfair. State senator Catherine Blakespear was quoted as saying by CNN that Republicans “started this madness…to cheat to win congressional midterm elections under their unpopular president”. California’s effort, she added, is aimed at “levelling the national playing field”.
Newsom described it as “the most democratic redistricting effort that has been advanced,” emphasising voter approval as a key safeguard.
In Texas, Democratic representative Lloyd Doggett announced he will not seek reelection if the new map is upheld, avoiding a clash with representative Greg Casar, whose district is redrawn to favour Republicans, according to news agency AFP.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are moving to fine Democrats who fled the state, with some assessed costs exceeding $9,000 each for quorum-breaking.
The mid-decade redistricting battle is likely to spread to other Republican-controlled states, including Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Indiana, and South Carolina, while Democratic governors in Illinois, Maryland, and New York are exploring ways to redraw districts to their advantage.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the escalating fight as “game on”, as per CNN.
Experts note that while mid-decade redistricting is unusual, the Supreme Court permits partisan gerrymandering as long as it does not explicitly discriminate by race, according to AP.
Both parties are now preparing for what could be a nationwide, high-stakes battle for control of the House in 2026.
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