Texas GOP Advances Controversial Redistricting Amid Democratic Opposition

Texas is currently embroiled in a contentious redistricting battle ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with a new congressional map introduced by House Bill 4 aiming to shift five Democratic-held seats to Republican control at the request of President Donald Trump. The bill passed the Texas House after Democrats staged a two-week walkout to block it, and the Texas Senate is now debating the measure, which Governor Greg Abbott has pledged to sign into law swiftly. Republicans, including Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have framed this as a loyalty test to Trump, while Democrats view the GOP's redistricting efforts as a power grab that could help Trump secure more allies in Congress. Civil rights groups like the NAACP and LULAC have sharply criticized the map, calling it a racist attempt to suppress minority voters, and have vowed to pursue legal challenges once the bill is signed. The Texas redistricting has also sparked reactions in other states, with California moving to redraw its maps to counteract Republican gains. This battle highlights the high stakes of redistricting as both parties seek to influence control of Congress in the upcoming elections.