Texas GOP Stalled in Trump-Backed Redistricting Amid Democratic Walkout, Newsom Warns California Retaliation

Texas Republicans, backed by President Donald Trump, have repeatedly failed to pass a new congressional redistricting plan intended to add five Republican seats in the House, as Democratic lawmakers have fled the state to deny quorum and block the effort. California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged President Trump to abandon the Texas redistricting scheme, warning that it threatens to destabilize American democracy and prompting him to threaten retaliatory map redrawing in California if the GOP proceeds. Newsom criticized the partisan nature of the process and called for independent commissions to handle redistricting, emphasizing that California would stand down only if other states do the same. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows condemned the Democrats' absence, noting ongoing efforts by law enforcement to compel their return, but the stalemate continues into its second week. The redistricting battle highlights the high stakes for control of Congress, with Democrats needing to flip three seats in the 2026 midterms and Republicans seeking to secure a stronger majority. This conflict has sparked a broader redistricting arms race across multiple states, raising concerns about the impact on the upcoming elections.