Overview

• Texas’ House approved the Republican-drawn congressional map 88-52, and the GOP-led Senate scheduled a final vote for Friday before Gov. Greg Abbott’s expected signature.
• California’s legislature passed a three-bill package and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it to hold a Nov. 4 special election on a constitutional amendment enabling a Democratic-drawn map.
• The California plan would temporarily replace the independent commission’s lines for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections if voters approve, while the Texas map would take effect upon enactment.
• Both efforts are explicitly partisan, each aiming to net up to five seats in the U.S. House; civil-rights groups plan Voting Rights Act challenges to Texas, and California Republicans have already sued as the state high court rejected a bid to delay legislative action.
• Texas Democrats’ two-week walkout prompted arrest warrants, fines and escorted returns, and the clash is spurring mid-decade redistricting moves or discussions in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Florida and other states.