AUSTIN (NewsNation) — Texas’ electoral map may be in for some significant changes as the special legislative session kicks off in the state’s capital of Austin.
Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol this week under pressure from President Donald Trump, who is urging Republicans to redraw congressional districts ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
The push is being closely watched nationwide, and Democrats have already begun to strategize a response.
“There could be some other states. We’re going to get another three or four or five in addition,” Trump told reporters Wednesday. “Texas would be the biggest one. And that’ll be five … Just a very simple redrawing. We pick up five seats, but we have a couple of other states where we’ll pick up seats also.”
Trump wants to add 5 GOP seats in Texas
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a close ally of Trump, has called on the legislature to explore redistricting over 30 days, citing constitutional concerns raised by the Department of Justice. He has argued the current congressional maps must be revised.
However, some Democrats equate this strategy to political manipulation, adding that it will harm the state’s marginalized communities.
“They’re so scared to lose in 2026, they’re going to stoop so low as to cheat the system,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said. “Trump asked Abbott to squeeze out five new red seats in Congress. Instead of putting all their efforts into helping flood victims rebuild, Republicans are focused on disenfranchising voters.”
Democrats have argued that Republican lawmakers should use their majority to address urgent state needs and pass laws aimed at preventing another catastrophic flooding disaster.
Dems plot response to GOP redistricting push
Democrats in blue states are threatening to respond to Trump’s redistricting push in kind.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is reportedly considering a redistricting strategy, as Republicans in Ohio, Florida and Utah weigh similar efforts to expand GOP gains in Congress.