After a heated day of debate, the Texas House of Representatives approved a new congressional map on Wednesday that could strengthen Republican control in the state’s delegation.
Potential Flip of Five Democratic Districts
The plan, passed during a special session, could shift five Democratic-held seats into Republican-leaning districts. It merges Democratic areas in Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth while making two Rio Grande Valley districts more competitive.
The maps put pressure on seats currently held by Democratic Reps. Al Green, Marc Veasey, Julie Johnson, Greg Casar, and Lloyd Doggett.
Democrats Call It Gerrymandering
Democrats sharply criticized the mid-decade redistricting effort, labeling it blatant gerrymandering meant to increase GOP seats. The new map does not significantly weaken Republican-held districts but could benefit from continued Hispanic support for the GOP, according to political analysts.
Trump and Abbott’s Influence
The redistricting push was strongly backed by former President Donald Trump and is expected to pass the state Senate by the end of the week before reaching Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for approval.
Abbott praised Republicans for “staying true to Texas,” promising to sign the measure once it clears the Senate.
Democrats Plan Legal Challenge
House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu admitted the chamber fight was lost but said the battle was not over.
“This part of the fight is over, but it is merely the first chapter,” Wu said, promising a lawsuit after Abbott signs the legislation.
Filibuster Attempts Fail
Democrats spent hours attempting to stall the vote with long-shot amendments, including one linking the maps to the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files, which was quickly dismissed.
Other amendments aimed at tabling or killing the bill also failed. Ultimately, all 88 Republicans voted in favor, while 52 of 62 Democrats opposed it.
Tensions Run High
Democrats accused Republicans of carrying out Trump’s wishes.
“You may not understand redistricting, but I hope you understand lying, cheating, and stealing,” Wu said.
Rep. Joe Moody warned the maps deepened struggles for communities of color, while Rep. Harold Dutton said Republicans may win the “battle” but not the “war.”
Republican Rep. Todd Hunter, who authored the bill, fired back, blaming Democrats for fleeing the state earlier in the session to block a quorum. “You own the walkout,” he said.
Emotions on the Floor
Some Democrats, including Rep. Nicole Collier, stayed overnight in the House chamber to avoid being escorted out by law enforcement.
“I want to cry, but I’m too furious,” Collier said after the vote. “The fact that I’m still angry means I still want to fight.”
Outside Pressure and Protests
The Capitol was briefly evacuated earlier in the week after a social media threat, though lawmakers remained inside. Protests also gathered outside the chamber as the debate unfolded.
Republican Victory Lap
Republicans celebrated the passage as a reflection of Texas voters’ will.
“You will not silence the majority in Texas,” said GOP Rep. Katrina Pierson, dismissing accusations of racism as “old rhetoric.”
Democratic Governors Respond
Outside Texas, Democratic governors quickly signaled countermeasures.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted Abbott as Trump’s “most loyal lapdog” and said his state would move forward with its own redistricting plan. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted a terse response: “Game on.”
For more coverage on the Texas Legislature and the new congressional maps, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.