Overview

• Governor Greg Abbott convened a second legislative session in Texas aimed at redrawing congressional districts, with Republicans seeking to secure up to five extra House seats.
• Over 50 Texas Democratic lawmakers ended a quorum-breaking exodus this month to reassemble in the capital and block the redistricting effort, urging national Democrats to defend fair maps.
• California Democrats led by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas released a district map proposal intended to net up to five additional U.S. House seats in response to the Texas push.
• Legal scholars caution the White House could press the Justice Department and courts with legal challenges to undermine Democratic gains, although they stress there is no basis to cancel the 2026 midterms.
• Political scientists predict Democrats will still have the edge to retake the House despite Republican redistricting, but warn drawn-out litigation could delay results and sap congressional oversight.