SAN ANTONIO — Republicans in Texas are gearing up to redraw the state’s congressional maps this week, aiming to secure five new seats for the GOP.
This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain control of the House in the 2026 elections.
The push for redistricting comes amid political challenges for former President Donald Trump, including criticism over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case and polling that suggests many Americans feel his policies have not benefited them.
Trump has called for a “very simple redrawing” of the congressional map, stating, “We pick up five seats. We have a couple of other states where we’ll pick up seats also.”
Democratic state lawmakers in Texas are considering a walkout to prevent the legislature from convening, a tactic previously used in 2021.
Under new rules, lawmakers could face fines of up to $500 a day for breaking a quorum. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has suggested that any Democrats who walk out should be arrested.
Beto O’Rourke commented on the situation, saying, “Governor Gavin Newsom in California has talked about a redistricting in his state, I think it’s time we matched fire with fire. I think Democrats in the past too often have been more concerned with being right than being in power.”
The redistricting efforts in Texas could signal a broader trend of partisan gerrymandering across the country.
As the situation develops, questions remain about which other states Trump plans to target for redistricting and whether Governor Gavin Newsom will proceed with redistricting in California.
The potential walkout by Democratic lawmakers in Austin also remains uncertain.