The Brief
Texas Republicans, with Trump’s backing, want to redraw maps to add five GOP House seats before 2026.
Several GOP-led states — including Missouri, Florida, Ohio, and Indiana — are preparing similar efforts.
Democratic-led states like California, New York, Wisconsin, and Maryland are moving to counter the plan.
LOS ANGELES - Texas Republicans’ push to redraw congressional maps — with support from President Donald Trump — has set off a political fight stretching across the country.
The proposal aims to add five GOP-held seats in the U.S. House before the 2026 midterms. The move has split states into two camps: those supporting Texas’ plan and those working to block or retaliate against it.
What we know
Texas Republicans are advancing a mid-decade redistricting plan, an unusual step normally taken only after the U.S. census every 10 years.
Democrats in the state have left for Chicago to deny Republicans a quorum and block a vote. Gov. Greg Abbott has pledged to keep calling special sessions until they return.
Trump has called the Texas plan essential to maintaining Republican control of the U.S. House in 2026, a message that has resonated in several GOP-led states.
What we don't know
It’s unclear when Texas Democrats will return to the state to restore a quorum.
The specific district maps that would emerge from each state’s redistricting push have not yet been released, so the exact number of seats that could change hands remains uncertain.
Legal challenges are also likely in multiple states, and it’s unknown how courts — particularly in swing states — will rule on mid-decade map changes.
States supporting Texas’ plan
Dig deeper
Mid-decade redistricting is rare because it can draw intense political backlash and legal challenges. Normally, states redraw maps after the census to reflect population changes.
Gerrymandering — drawing district boundaries to benefit one party — has long been criticized for reducing competition and locking in political power. While both parties have used it, the current wave of proposals marks one of the most public and fast-moving series of redistricting battles in recent memory.
Supporters of the Texas plan argue that moving now, rather than waiting until after 2030, could help their party solidify control of Congress for years. Opponents say this undermines voter choice and circumvents the normal redistricting process.
Missouri
Missouri’s GOP majority is preparing for a special session on redistricting. A $46,000 invoice obtained by the Associated Press shows the state Senate has already purchased mapping software and staff training.
Republicans hold six of eight U.S. House seats and could target a Democratic district in Kansas City to gain another.
Florida
Republican House Speaker Daniel Perez said lawmakers will take up redistricting this year through a special committee. Gov. Ron DeSantis has told residents to "stay tuned" and has voiced support for the move.
Florida Republicans hold 20 of 28 seats, and changes could strengthen that majority.
Ohio
State law already requires Ohio to redraw maps before the 2026 midterms. Republicans control 10 of 15 U.S. House seats and could use the process to expand that edge.
Indiana
Gov. Mike Braun has discussed redistricting with Vice President JD Vance but has not committed to calling a special session. Republicans already hold 7 of 9 seats, leaving limited room for gains.
States opposing or countering Texas
The other side
Democratic leaders in states like California, New York, and Wisconsin say their actions are about protecting voter representation and pushing back against what they see as partisan power grabs.
They argue that if Republican-led states can change maps mid-decade, Democrats have little choice but to respond in kind. This tit-for-tat dynamic is raising concerns among election experts who warn that constant redistricting could destabilize the political system and increase voter confusion.
California
Democrats are exploring changes that could eliminate up to five Republican-held districts. Gov. Gavin Newsom warned Trump in a letter that he was "playing with fire."
Because California uses an independent redistricting commission, any mid-decade change would require approval from state lawmakers and voters.
New York
Democrats have introduced legislation to allow redistricting before the next census. Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "If Texas proceeds, we must do the same." The change would require a constitutional amendment, meaning it could not take effect until at least 2028.
Wisconsin
Democrats have filed lawsuits to force new maps before the 2026 midterms. Republicans control the Legislature, but the state Supreme Court now leans liberal — a shift that could influence the outcome.
Maryland
House Majority Leader David Moon says he will introduce legislation to trigger redistricting if Texas or other states move ahead before the census.
The backstory
Redistricting — the process of redrawing congressional districts — is normally tied to the U.S. census every 10 years. Changes mid-decade typically occur only after court orders or special circumstances.
In this case, political strategy is driving the timing. Both parties are increasingly open about using redistricting to maximize their seats, and public backlash has done little to slow the trend.
What's next
Texas Democrats have not said when they will return, but Republicans are expected to pass the new maps once a quorum is restored.
If that happens, other states — both red and blue — are likely to accelerate their own plans, setting up a national redistricting battle that could shape political power for years.
The Source
This report is based on information from the Associated Press. Additional material was gathered from official statements and legislative records from Texas, Missouri, Florida, Ohio, Indiana, California, New York, Wisconsin, and Maryland.
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