Texas legislators have approved new congressional maps, a move intended to bolster Republican prospects in next year’s US House of Representatives elections.
The Texas House of Representatives passed the redistricting plan by an 88-52 vote, concluding a two-week period marked by a Democratic walkout aimed at stalling the vote and mobilizing opposition to the proposed changes.
The maps are now headed to the Texas Senate, where their approval is widely anticipated.
The redistricting is projected to potentially shift five seats currently held by Democrats into Republican control, strengthening the party’s majority in the US House. However, Democrat-led states are considering redrawing their own maps in an effort to counter these gains.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed support for redrawing the maps to secure a Republican majority in the US House, ahead of the 2026 congressional elections.
The vote followed a contentious standoff, during which state Democrats temporarily left the state in an effort to prevent a vote on the new maps.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers, and several Democrats reported surveillance of their homes by law enforcement.
Upon their return this week, the lawmakers stated that their efforts had successfully raised awareness of the redistricting plans, prompting other states to contemplate strategies to offset Republican advantages.
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