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Texas Republicans are moving ahead with a mid-decade congressional redistricting plan that aims to flip five Democratic-held seats, after a two-week walkout by Democrats that stalled the proposal.
The map, backed by President Donald Trump, is scheduled for debate on Wednesday in the Texas House. If approved, it would reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans are working to defend their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Republicans have openly said the redrawn districts are designed to strengthen their party’s hold on Congress. The GOP currently controls 25 of Texas’ 38 districts under a map approved four years ago.
The plan has fueled a national fight over redistricting. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pursuing his own effort to redraw congressional boundaries to flip five GOP seats in response.
Other states, including Ohio, Florida, Indiana and Missouri, are considering similar Republican-led efforts, while Democratic strongholds such as Maryland and Illinois are also exploring early redistricting.
Mid-decade redistricting is rare, as states typically redraw political lines once every 10 years following the U.S. Census. The practice, known as gerrymandering when used for partisan advantage, has long drawn lawsuits and political backlash.
Democrats in Texas had fled the state earlier this month to block a quorum and delay action on the bill. In response, Republicans issued arrest warrants and filed lawsuits to pressure them back. The walkout ended Monday when Democrats returned, claiming victory for delaying the measure during a first special session and rallying national Democratic allies to retaliate in other states.
Republican leaders assigned state law enforcement officers to keep watch on Democrats to prevent another exodus. One Democrat, Rep. Nicole Collier, even slept overnight inside the Capitol to avoid being escorted by police.
Democrats argue the new map illegally dilutes the political power of minority voters. Lawsuits are expected if the plan passes.
Nationally, Republicans hold the House by just three seats after the 2024 elections. Historically, the party controlling the White House often loses ground in the first midterm, and Trump’s approval ratings have dipped since he took office in January.
Despite those challenges, Texas Republicans say their map is essential to keeping the GOP in power. Democrats counter that it represents a raw political grab that could further deepen partisan divides nationwide.