Overview

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott has scheduled a July 21 special session at President Trump’s urging to redraw U.S. House maps and pursue up to five new Republican-leaning seats.
• Texas House Democrats plan to walk out to deny Republicans a quorum and block redistricting proposals, exposing them to heavy fines and other penalties under newly tightened rules.
• In California, Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic congressional leaders are weighing referenda, special sessions or direct legislation to bypass the independent Proposition 20 redistricting commission.
• Voting Rights Act protections and state constitutional provisions are expected to spur lawsuits by watchdog groups and minority-rights advocates aiming to halt any off-year map changes.
• Political analysts caution that mid-cycle redraws could dilute party strongholds into competitive districts and endanger previously safe seats in both states.