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Texas Republicans Push Mid-Decade Redistricting Plan as Democrats Flee State

Republicans aim to add five GOP-leaning districts before the August 19 deadline after Democrats fled the state to break quorum, triggering threats of civil fines.

Una protesta contra la iniciativa de ley del gobernador de Wisconsin, Scott Walker, para eliminar los derechos de negociaciones colectivas para muchos de los trabajadores del estado, el 17 de febrero de 2011, en Madison, Wisconsin. (AP Foto/Andy Manis, Archivo)

Overview

  • Governor Greg Abbott convened the special session during the summer recess to fast-track redistricting outside the usual decennial cycle.
  • At least 51 Texas House Democrats, including Rep. Greg Casar, have fled the state to block quorum, exposing themselves to potential civil fines for unauthorized absences.
  • The proposed map would eliminate Casar’s district, merge it with Lloyd Doggett’s, and reconfigure Henry Cuéllar’s and Vicente González’s seats to favor Republicans.
  • Unified Republican control of the governorship and legislature could allow Texas to boost its U.S. House delegation from 25 to 30 of 38 seats if the plan is approved.
  • President Donald Trump’s team is considering similar mid-decade redistricting strategies in states like Missouri to strengthen GOP margins ahead of the 2026 midterms.