Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a controversial redistricting bill into law, redrawing the state’s congressional map to favor Republicans and potentially flip five Democratic seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The move, pushed by former President Donald Trump, has already sparked lawsuits and intensified a nationwide battle over gerrymandering as Democrats in California and other states vow to retaliate with their own maps.
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Mid-Decade Redistricting Push
This unusual mid-decade redistricting began earlier in the summer when Trump urged Texas lawmakers to redraw maps in order to secure the GOP’s slim majority in Congress. Initially reluctant, Abbott eventually added the measure to a special legislative session. The final map creates five new Republican-leaning districts, setting up a 30-8 split in Texas’ congressional delegation, compared to the current 25-13 balance.
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Abbott’s Celebration Message
After signing the bill Friday, Abbott posted a video on social media declaring, “Texas is now more red in the United States Congress.” He also claimed the new map would “ensure fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texans.” Supporters argue the change strengthens Texas’ influence in Washington, though critics see it as partisan manipulation designed to suppress Democratic voters.
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Fierce Democratic Backlash
Texas Democrats have strongly condemned the move. State party chair Kendall Scudder accused Abbott of giving in to Trump’s demands, saying, “They love to boast about how ‘Texas Tough’ they are, but when Donald Trump made one call, they bent over backwards to prioritize his politics over Texans. Honestly, it’s pathetic.” Democratic lawmakers also staged a walkout during the legislative process, temporarily delaying passage by denying Republicans the quorum needed.
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National Gerrymandering Battle
The Texas redistricting fight has escalated tensions nationwide. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a counter-map to secure five more Democratic seats, mocking Abbott on social media as Trump’s “#1 lapdog.” Several Republican-led states are also weighing similar moves, seeing Texas’ effort as a model to safeguard GOP control of Congress in 2026. The battle highlights deepening partisan divides over how district lines shape political power.
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Legal Challenges Ahead
Civil rights groups representing Black and Latino voters have already filed lawsuits against the Texas plan, arguing that it dilutes minority voting strength in violation of federal law. A three-judge panel is set to hear arguments in early October, with opponents pushing to block the new maps before the December filing deadline for congressional candidates. “The Government must afford them due process. The procedures currently in place fall short,” critics argue, echoing ongoing concerns over racial gerrymandering.
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Impact on 2026 Elections
The new Texas map is already reshaping the political landscape. Veteran Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett announced he would not seek reelection if the plan stands, as his district would be merged with fellow Democrat Greg Casar’s. Republicans believe the shift could secure their fragile House majority, while Democrats warn it undermines voter representation. Both parties are now bracing for a high-stakes court battle that could decide control of Congress.
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Public Opinion on Gerrymandering
Polling suggests most Americans disapprove of redrawing districts solely for political gain. A Reuters/Ipsos survey this week found broad opposition to gerrymandering, with many respondents viewing it as harmful to democracy. While Republicans insist the Texas map was based on voting history and not race, critics say it is part of a larger erosion of voting rights aimed at entrenching partisan power.