Trump and Texas Republicans Plot Changes in Congressional Districts to Keep Control of Congress After 2026

July 18, 2025

President Trump announced to Texas Republicans that the GOP will attempt a mid-decade redistricting in Texas to create five new Republican congressional seats, with the state legislature scheduled to consider this unusual move next week. Republicans currently hold strong majorities in both chambers of the Texas legislature despite Texas being a majority-minority state, with the last congressional maps drawn in 2021. Democratic representatives, including Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, have expressed strong opposition to this redistricting effort, arguing it intentionally dilutes minority voices.

Who is affected

Texas voters, particularly communities of color and minority voters
Current congressional representatives, especially the four Black representatives and Latina representatives mentioned by Rep. Crockett
Texas citizens broadly, including those in minority communities whose voting power could be diluted
The overall balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives

What action is being taken

Texas legislature is considering mid-decade redistricting next week
Texas Republican Party is working to create five new Republican congressional seats
Democratic representatives from Texas are speaking out against the redistricting effort at DNC headquarters
Rep. Crockett and other Democratic leaders are publicly opposing the redistricting plans

Why it matters

The redistricting could dilute minority voting power in a majority-minority state
It would affect representation in Congress for Texas communities
The unusual mid-decade timing breaks from normal redistricting patterns
The effort could help Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House as they face challenges ahead of the 2026 midterms
Courts have previously found Texas redistricting to be intentionally discriminatory

What's next

The Texas legislature will consider the redistricting move next week
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint