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1h ago

Texas Senate Sends GOP-Drawn House Map to Abbott, Escalating Coast-to-Coast Remap Fight

Legal challenges now loom over claims the new lines dilute minority voting power.

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A Texas troopers passes the Texas Seal in the Rotunda of the Texas Capitol before debate on a bill on a redrawn U.S. congressional map during a special session in the Senate Chamber in Austin, Texas, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaking to lawmakers during a special session in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Senate approved the plan 18-11 along party lines after Republicans used a rare maneuver to block Sen. Carol Alvarado’s planned filibuster, sending the bill to Gov. Greg Abbott.
  • Republicans crafted the map to help secure as many as five additional U.S. House seats in 2026, with sponsor Sen. Phil King emphasizing partisan performance and saying he did not review racial data.
  • Democrats and voting-rights groups say they will file swift Voting Rights Act suits alleging the map reduces the ability of voters of color to elect preferred candidates.
  • California advanced the principal countermeasure as lawmakers passed and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bills placing a Democratic-drawn map on the Nov. 4 ballot that could add up to five Democratic-leaning seats if voters approve.
  • The final vote followed a two-week Democratic walkout in the Texas House and new fines for quorum-breakers, and Rep. Lloyd Doggett said he will not seek reelection if the map is upheld.