Gov. Abbott signs mid-decade redistricting map favoring GOP
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Gov. Greg Abbott and President Trump. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed off on a new congressional map intended to flip five Democratic seats into Republican hands in next year's midterm elections.
Why it matters: The outcome was expected, but it came after weeks of partisan drama: Texas House Democrats left the state, delaying a vote on the maps, and Republicans blocked a planned Democratic filibuster in the Senate.
Catch up quick: The rare mid-decade map, drawn at the behest of President Trump, aims to boost GOP chances of keeping control of the U.S. House for the second half of his term.
- Texas' 38-member delegation now includes 25 Republicans, 12 Democrats and one vacant seat, left open after Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner's death this year.
- Under the new lines, Texas would likely send 30 Republicans and eight Democrats to Washington.
What they're saying: "The one, big beautiful map ... ensures fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texans," Abbott said in a video posted on X.
The other side: Democrats have said the map disenfranchises Black and Latino voters.
- "With a stroke of the pen, Greg Abbott and the Republicans have effectively surrendered Texas to Washington, D.C.," Texas Democrats wrote in a statement.
- "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."
Between the lines: Two lawsuits claim the map is racially discriminatory and violates voting rights protections.
The intrigue: Looking ahead to court fights, and citing U.S. Supreme Court precedent, Texas Republicans have said the new map is about increasing political power — not racial discrimination.
What we're watching: The Democrats' walkout sparked a national frenzy — and now California Democrats are advancing a mid-decade map, escalating the partisan race over control of Congress.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and has been updated with comment from Texas Democrats.