President Donald Trump is urging Texas lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map — a move he says could net Republicans five additional House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. “Just a very simple redrawing, we pick up five seats,” Trump told reporters Tuesday, July 15. He suggested other states could follow, naming Texas as “the biggest one.”
The push is part of a broader Republican strategy to secure their narrow House majority. Trump’s advisers have been discussing a mid-decade redraw that would shift GOP voters from safe Republican districts into nearby Democratic-held ones to flip those seats without losing existing strongholds.
What is the process, and where does it stand?
Gov. Greg Abbott added redistricting to the agenda, citing a DOJ letter about coalition districts.
Trump’s White House also supports the move. Republicans control both chambers of the Texas Legislature, giving them full power to move forward.
If they do, it would mark another use of mid-decade redistricting to strengthen their position, similar to North Carolina’s redraw in 2024, which cost Democrats three House seats.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said a new census might be warranted before adjusting maps, noting demographic shifts since 2020: “We’re going to do this all based on 2020 census data?”
How are Democrats responding?
Texas Democrats in Congress condemned the proposal, arguing it threatens fair representation. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said Republicans are attempting to “mute our voices” and dilute minority voting power.
Some Democrats are urging blue states to redraw their maps in retaliation if Texas proceeds.
Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, floated the idea of breaking quorum, a procedural maneuver used in past statehouse standoffs. “I would do everything I can to help them in being able to pull it off,” he said.
What’s at stake in 2026?
The redistricting effort follows passage of Trump’s sweeping budget-and-policy law, which included tax cuts and reductions to Medicaid and food assistance.
Democrats need to flip just three House seats to retake control in 2026.
But some warn the GOP plan could backfire.
“They are playing a little bit of roulette with these maps,” said Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Texas. “In a wave election like what we have a potential opportunity for in ‘26, I think it makes these Republicans very vulnerable.”
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Author: Craig Nigrelli
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