Texas Adopts Redistricting with Trump’s Support to Strengthen Republicans in Congress
The Texas House of Representatives has approved a redistricting plan with the backing of former President Donald Trump. This reform awaits ratification from the Republican-controlled state Senate and the signature of Governor Greg Abbott, and it is expected to grant the Republican Party five additional seats in the 2026 congressional midterm elections.
The bill was passed on Wednesday with an 88 to 52 majority. Trump expressed his enthusiasm on his platform “Truth Social,” declaring it a “major victory for the great state of Texas,” and stated, “We are on our way to gaining five additional seats in Congress, protecting your rights, freedoms, and your country.”
Strengthening Republicans in Congress
Currently, out of the 38 Texas representatives in the U.S. House, 25 belong to the Republican Party. With this redistricting, the White House hopes to increase that number to 30 by 2026. The president also reiterated his call to end remote voting, which he claims facilitates electoral fraud.
Trump noted that other Republican states like Florida and Indiana are preparing to launch similar initiatives.
Democrats’ Opposition
Texas Democrats, the minority in the local parliament, attempted to block the bill by leaving the state in early August for Chicago and New York, which prevented a quorum for voting over two weeks. They later returned, allowing Republicans to pass the legislation.
In response, Democratic representatives in California, led by Gavin Newsom, announced a similar redistricting project aimed at gaining five additional seats for themselves.
This political struggle reflects the critical nature of redistricting ahead of the 2026 U.S. legislative elections, which could determine the balance of power in Congress.