U.S. News
Texas Senate Advances Trump-Backed Redistricting Effort
Clear Facts
- The Texas Senate passed a new Republican-favored congressional map, backed by President Trump.
- The map creates five additional districts likely to elect Republicans in the 2026 midterms.
- The plan proceeds to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature after Democrats failed to block it.
The Texas Senate approved a redistricting map designed to strengthen Republican control, aligning with former President Trump’s call for ensuring GOP dominance in future House elections.
With this map, Republicans have gained five more Republican-leaning districts, shifting the balance as the 2026 midterms approach.
Democrats attempted to stall the process by fleeing the state and breaking quorum, but Republicans maintained legislative momentum.
The map passed the GOP-held House by an 88-52 vote before advancing to the governor’s desk for signature. Governor Abbott supports the plan and pushed to avoid a repeat of 2018, when Democrats took control of the U.S. House.
Senator Phil King, who championed the map in the Senate, stated,
“[House bill] four, I believe, should elect more Republicans to the U.S. Congress, but I’m here to tell you, there are no guarantees.”
Despite Democrat efforts and a media spotlight on their walkout, Republicans pressed on, overcoming numerous Democrat-introduced amendments that attempted to halt the new map.
Some Democratic leaders denounced the proposal, with Chris Turner saying,
“Members, it breaks my heart to see how this illegal and rigged, mid-decade redistricting scheme is dividing our state and our country.”
Republican Rep. Todd Hunter, bill author, highlighted that four of the five new districts are majority-minority Hispanic but pointed out all favor Republican victory. He explained,
“The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward, [to] improve Republican political performance.”
The effort advanced after Democrats ended their blockade, prompted by similar redistricting moves in California designed to benefit Democrats.
California’s new map has not taken effect yet, as voters there will decide its fate in November. The Texas map now awaits final approval from Governor Abbott.
Keep up with the latest on key redistricting changes affecting the future of Congress.
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