Texas, California Consider Retaliatory Redistricting Battle

Texas Republicans, prompted by Donald Trump and responding to recent gains among Hispanic voters, have proposed new congressional maps that could shift up to five seats from Democrats to the GOP, targeting Houston-area Democratic strongholds and potentially forcing incumbent Democrats into contested primaries or retirement. Democrats and the Department of Justice have raised concerns over racial gerrymandering and are preparing legal challenges. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom is preparing a special election to let voters approve new congressional maps designed to counter Texas's GOP maneuvers, temporarily overriding the state's independent redistricting process. Newsom has acknowledged the risks involved, while critics like Karl Rove argue California’s legal framework may limit the state’s ability to match Texas’s aggressive tactics. These developments have sparked sharp debate among lawmakers and advocates, raising concerns over democratic norms and escalating polarization. The final outcome could significantly affect which party controls Congress after the 2026 midterm elections.