Nationwide Redistricting Battle Intensifies as Texas Sets Off Political Firestorm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A partisan redistricting conflict is heating up in Texas, driven by former President Donald Trump's push to reinforce Republican control of the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterms — and it's beginning to ripple across the country. In an unusual mid-cycle move, Texas Republicans have proposed reshaping congressional districts in a way that could secure additional GOP seats. The controversial plan has sparked walkouts by Democratic lawmakers, legal threats, and discussions in other states — both Republican and Democratic — about responding in kind.

What ignited this redistricting dispute?

At Trump's urging, GOP legislators in Texas have introduced a redistricting proposal that could potentially hand Republicans up to five more seats in the U.S. House. With Republicans holding a slim 219-seat majority over Democrats' 212 (with four current vacancies), every additional seat could significantly influence control of the chamber and support for Trump-aligned policies.

Although redrawing districts is typically done once every ten years following the U.S. Census, states are not barred from initiating the process mid-decade — and Texas is leading the charge.

What’s happening in Texas?

A draft version of a revised congressional map was released in late July by Texas Republicans, with significant implications for urban districts currently held by Democrats. The Department of Justice previously warned Texas officials that four districts might be unconstitutional, and the new plan seeks to eliminate or reconfigure them.

In protest, over 50 Democratic state lawmakers have reportedly left Texas, aiming to block a quorum and stall the map's approval. In response, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office, and Attorney General Ken Paxton is threatening to vacate the seats of absent lawmakers if they don’t return.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has even suggested federal law enforcement intervene to locate the missing legislators. When asked whether the FBI should get involved, Trump indicated it might become necessary.

How is California responding?

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has voiced strong opposition to Texas’ redistricting move, even considering a controversial response: redrawing California's own congressional lines. This would require temporarily sidelining the state’s independent redistricting commission, a process typically seen as a national model for fair elections.

Newsom justified his stance by pointing to what he described as Trump’s disregard for democratic norms, noting his role in the January 6 Capitol riot and his efforts to influence election processes to his party’s benefit.

“They’re changing the rules when they can’t win,” Newsom said at a press briefing. “We can’t sit by while democracy is manipulated.”

Are other states getting involved?

The redistricting debate is spreading. In Indiana, Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit in support of potential map changes. While Gov. Mike Braun has made no firm commitments, he acknowledged discussions about the issue.

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul penned an op-ed decrying Texas’ actions as “political arson,” vowing not to remain passive. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker hinted at the possibility of pursuing redistricting in his own state, a message reinforced during a joint event with national Democratic leaders and exiled Texas legislators.

Even Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat in a deeply red state, reportedly floated the idea during a recent Democratic Governors Association meeting.

Republican-led states are also eyeing potential redistricting. In Missouri, GOP Senate leader Cindy O’Laughlin indicated a special legislative session might be called. In Nebraska, GOP Rep. Don Bacon said that conversations were underway about changing congressional lines following his upcoming departure from office.

What are the risks of a redistricting arms race?

Election reform advocates warn that a wave of tit-for-tat redistricting could damage the integrity of American democracy. Emily Eby French, policy director at Common Cause Texas, cautioned against Democrats responding to GOP maneuvers with similar tactics.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” she said during a press call. “The solution is not for Democrats to rig maps in retaliation but to fight for nonpartisan processes that ensure fair representation.”

Are party leaders encouraging this escalation?

Trump has made no secret of his desire for Republicans to capitalize on redistricting, stating in a recent interview that the party is “entitled” to more seats in Texas.

Meanwhile, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin pushed for an aggressive response, saying that Democrats should no longer be the only ones playing by impartial rules.

“We can’t afford to let one side rewrite the rules unchecked,” Martin told States Newsroom. “This is about survival.”

Is Congress getting involved?

Some federal lawmakers are attempting to curb mid-decade redistricting altogether. Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) introduced legislation this week to ban the practice nationwide. He accused Gov. Newsom of undermining voter intent in California and called on Congress to intervene using its constitutional authority over elections.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) also announced plans to file a bill that would outlaw both gerrymandering and off-cycle redistricting. He argued that overly secure districts discourage competition and reduce responsiveness to general election voters.