Texas GOP Plans Mid-Decade Redistricting Fight with Democrats

Texas Republicans, under the direction of President Donald Trump and Governor Greg Abbott, are advancing a mid-decade redistricting effort aimed at reshaping congressional maps to preserve the GOP's House majority, a move critics denounce as a partisan power grab and racial gerrymandering. The redistricting targets Democratic-held districts with significant Latino populations where Trump has gained some support, intending to redistribute Democratic voters into Republican districts to strengthen GOP control nationally. Democrats are mounting a strong counteroffensive, with the House Majority PAC launching a $20 million Lone Star Fund to support voter registration and outreach, particularly among Hispanic voters, alongside a DNC campaign deploying 30,000 volunteers to persuade Republican voters in affected districts. Public hearings are underway in Texas to gather input on proposed district lines, though maps have not been fully disclosed, and some lawmakers express concerns about the political motivations behind this midterm redistricting. The efforts coincide with a special legislative session called by Abbott to address flooding and other issues, with Republicans defending the inclusion of redistricting as necessary, while Democrats emphasize the potential dilution of voting power for communities of color and warn of political repercussions. National Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are actively engaging on the issue, signaling the high stakes involved in the 2026 midterm elections.