Texas GOP Pushes Redistricting After Trump Request

Texas Republicans have proposed a mid-decade congressional redistricting map, advancing during a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott and following a request from former President Donald Trump to secure a stronger GOP House majority for 2026. The plan aims to deliver five additional GOP-leaning seats by splitting up Democratic urban districts and could force Democratic incumbents Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar into the same district. Critics, including Democratic leaders and minority advocates, denounce the map as gerrymandering intended to disenfranchise Black, Hispanic, and urban voters, sparking protests and anticipated legal action. Republicans assert the changes address population growth and constitutional issues, while Democrats may attempt to deny quorum to delay the process. In response to Trump's campaign, California Democrats have threatened to implement their own partisan redistricting. Experts warn that although mid-decade redistricting is uncommon, these moves could trigger a nationwide escalation in partisan map-drawing.