Trump’s redistricting bid gets a boost, Texas Senate sends bill for governor’s nod

The Texas Legislature has approved a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts, a move that could help Republicans win five more US House seats, as requested last month by President Trump. The plan now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for expected signing.

The Senate passed the plan after an 18-11 vote late Friday night. The redistricting is part of a growing nationwide contest, sparked by Trump, involving Texas, California, and possibly other states, over congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections.

Texas State Sen. Phil King, who defended the plan in the Senate, acknowledged the political aim of the mid-decade redistricting. “For the map to be legal in all respects, that was the first goal,” King said. “And the second one was that it would perform better for Republican congressional candidates in Texas.”

Trump praised the Texas plan, tweeting, “Texas never lets us down,” and stressed the stakes of controlling Congress. “More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy, and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT,” he wrote.

Democrats have promised to challenge the map in court, saying it weakens the voting power of Black and Latino communities and creates sprawling districts that split urban areas and link them with suburban and rural regions.

Democratic State Sen. Judith Zaffirini said she opposed the plan “not only because it disregards the growth and diversity of our state but also because it further erodes the strength of minority districts, diminishing our ability to elect candidates of our choice and silencing voices that deserve to be heard.”

The Senate’s approval came after hours of debate on Friday. The redistricting effort in Texas, launched after a call from Abbott and Trump last month, prompted California Democrats to respond with their own new map.

On Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a plan that could give Democrats five extra congressional seats. Lawmakers also approved a special election measure in November to allow the state to implement the map, bypassing the independent citizen redistricting commission.

Redistricting usually happens after the national census at the start of each decade, and how voters are grouped can be crucial in deciding who wins congressional seats. Texas currently has 38 House seats, with Republicans holding 25 and Democrats 13.

California Democrats argued their response is necessary. “This isn’t politics as usual,” said Democratic Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias. “This is an emergency for our state. This is an emergency for our country. This is an emergency for democracy.”

Republicans countered that only the state’s redistricting commission should redraw maps. “You move forward fighting fire with fire, what happens? You burn it all down. In this case, it affects our most fundamental American principle. Representation,” said Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher. He called the plan “Gavinmander,” and said it was pushed illegally.

Democrats said sending the final decision to voters makes the process more transparent. The White House has also encouraged Republicans in other states to consider redrawing maps in their favor.