Texas Republicans Push Mid-Census Redistricting Amid Legal Challenges

Texas is at the center of a potential mid-cycle redistricting battle as Republicans, led by Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, consider redrawing congressional district lines to gain more Republican seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump supports this move to strengthen Republican representation, with the Texas Legislature possibly taking up the issue during a special session starting in July. Concurrently, civil rights groups are suing to create more Latino-majority districts, highlighting ongoing tensions over racial representation in the state. The redistricting would not increase the number of Texas congressional seats but would reallocate populations to potentially favor Republicans. Meanwhile, the special session may also address other contentious issues such as bail reform and THC regulation. This midterm strategy reflects broader national efforts by both parties to secure competitive districts in key states like Texas and Virginia, where Republicans are also targeting a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District to reclaim a seat from Democrats.