Texas Senate Approves GOP-Backed Congressional Map Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is expected to swiftly sign a new congressional map passed by the Republican-controlled Texas Senate that creates five new Republican-leaning districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The map, which passed along party lines, is backed by President Donald Trump and aims to solidify the GOP's slim majority in Congress by increasing Republican-held seats from 25 to 30 out of 38. Democrats vehemently oppose the redistricting effort, accusing Republicans of voter suppression and gerrymandering to disenfranchise Latino and Black communities, and they have vowed to challenge the map in court. Despite a two-week Democratic walkout and attempts to filibuster the legislation in the Senate, Republicans blocked these efforts and pushed the map through. The redistricting battle in Texas is part of a larger national trend, with states like California pursuing their own map revisions favoring Democrats. While Republicans emphasize protecting their majority, Democrats warn the maps weaken minority representation and harm democratic accountability.