Texas GOP Redistricting Plan Targets Five New Seats

Texas Republicans have proposed a congressional map in a special legislative session that could increase their U.S. House seats from 25 to 30 by creating five new GOP-leaning districts, significantly reducing Democratic representation in major cities and border regions. The new map merges or redraws districts held by Democratic Reps. Greg Casar, Lloyd Doggett, Henry Cuellar, and Vicente Gonzalez, making their reelection more difficult. President Donald Trump has backed the effort, which critics say constitutes partisan gerrymandering and illegal voter suppression, especially against Black and Latino voters. Democrats are considering a legislative walkout and are expected to pursue legal action if the map is enacted. The proposed redistricting is part of a broader GOP strategy to secure a national House majority. Meanwhile, Democratic-led states like California and New York are reviewing their own redistricting tactics in response.