Overview

• Texas Democrats returned from a walkout, ending the immediate quorum blockade in the 150-member House, and leaders urged national mobilization for "fair representation."
• Gov. Greg Abbott opened a second special session to advance a Republican redistricting plan projected to net up to five additional U.S. House seats for the party.
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled a counterproposal seeking as many as five new Democratic seats in that state in response to the president's push.
• President Trump has pressed states such as Texas to redraw lines before the 2026 midterms, intensifying a nationwide fight over gerrymandering that both parties employ.
• Legal scholars foresee court fights and potential Justice Department challenges over voter rolls or machines, while stressing the president lacks authority to cancel the midterms.