Texas map moves forward

Redrawn map approved by the Texas House moves to the Senate amid Democratic protests and a broader national debate over mid-decade redistricting and voting rights.

Texas Republicans pass gerrymandered congressional map requested by Trump

The Texas House on Wednesday approved a redrawn congressional map that was requested by Donald Trump. The measure now goes to the state Senate, where Republicans hold the majority and are expected to advance it quickly. Democrats staged weeks of protests and offered amendments to block the plan, arguing the mid-decade redraw weakens minority voting power and tightens Republican control.

The map would likely shift several seats toward the GOP and comes amid a wider fight over how elections are drawn. California lawmakers have begun debating a competing plan as part of a national counter push, underscoring how redistricting has become a partisan arena beyond Texas. Supporters say the map complies with voting rights rules and reflects political realities, while opponents warn it slices minority communities to boost Republican performance and invites legal challenges.

This is a case study in how party control and national signals collide in redistricting. Texas moves a map to improve partisan performance, framing the debate in legal terms while courting political risk. The theatrics in the chamber—live streams, walkouts, and coordinated amendments—reveal how mid-decade redistricting has become a battleground for public opinion.

The California response adds another layer to a national chess game. If multiple states pursue mid-decade redraws, courts will face questions about the Voting Rights Act and the limits of using political considerations in map making. The outcome could set a precedent that reshapes how and when districts can be redrawn, with long term consequences for voters and how democracy is practiced across states.

Highlights

The fight over redistricting is not just about lines on a map but about who gets a voice in the next election.