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58m ago

Texas House Passes GOP Map as California Fast-Tracks Counterplan for November Vote

California’s response faces higher hurdles—two‑thirds legislative approval followed by a Nov. 4 referendum.

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Protesters gather in the rotunda outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol as lawmakers debate a redrawn U.S. congressional map in Texas during a special session, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Democratic Texas Representative Gene Wu speaks during a press conference after the passing of H.B. 4, during a session in which Democratic lawmakers, who had left the state to prevent Republicans from redrawing Texas's 38 congressional districts, returned to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, U.S., August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores
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Overview

  • The Texas House approved the mid‑decade congressional map on an 88–52 party‑line vote, sending it to the GOP‑run Senate to reconcile versions before Governor Greg Abbott’s expected signature.
  • Republicans say the Texas plan could add up to five GOP‑leaning seats, while Democrats and civil‑rights groups argue it dilutes Latino and Black voting power in violation of the Voting Rights Act.
  • Voting Rights Act plaintiffs asked a three‑judge panel to fold the new Texas map into an ongoing case and to hold a hearing to block it from taking effect.
  • California Democrats advanced a package to temporarily bypass the state’s independent commission and place a counter map creating five Democratic‑leaning seats on the Nov. 4 special‑election ballot.
  • The California Supreme Court rejected an emergency bid by Republican lawmakers to slow the legislative push, as President Donald Trump urged more GOP states to pursue similar redraws and Democrats weighed moves in states such as New York and Maryland.