Redistricting Battle Heats Up: States Consider New Congressional Maps After Texas Move

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Republicans have launched a bold push to redraw congressional districts in their favor. In response, several states—both red and blue—are now considering redistricting before the 2026 elections. This growing redistricting battle after Texas maps marks a major political showdown across the country.

Governor Greg Abbott and his GOP allies in Texas aim to secure five additional Republican seats in the U.S. House. Their move has triggered fierce opposition, with Democrats walking out of the state legislature to deny a voting quorum for the second straight day.

Texas Triggers National Response

While redistricting typically happens quietly after a census, Texas has made the process overtly partisan. Former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to redraw districts to protect the House majority, removing any pretense of neutrality.

Now, states are lining up with plans of their own.

California Democrats Counter with Their Own Map Plans

In California, Democrats propose redrawing lines to eliminate five Republican-held districts and fortify vulnerable Democratic ones. Although redistricting is usually handled by an independent commission, Governor Gavin Newsom said he would push for a November special election to approve changes if Texas moves ahead.

Missouri’s Governor Pressured by Trump

In Missouri, GOP Governor Mike Kehoe faces pressure from Trump to convene a special session for redistricting. Republicans already control six of eight congressional seats but could gain another by reshaping a district in the Kansas City region.

New York Democrats Seek Constitutional Change

New York’s Democratic leadership wants to amend the state constitution to allow redistricting outside the census cycle. Governor Kathy Hochul backed the move, saying New York must respond if Texas redraws its maps.

However, any change would require passage in two legislative sessions and approval by voters, pushing any map changes to 2028.

Legal Challenges Arise in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Democrats took a legal route. They filed lawsuits in July asking the courts to force redistricting before 2026. This follows the state’s liberal Supreme Court declining to hear prior challenges directly.

Maryland Vows a Legislative Response

Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon announced plans to sponsor a bill that would trigger redistricting if Texas or other states proceed. The move is intended to maintain national electoral balance.

Florida, Ohio, and Indiana Join the Conversation

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed interest in early redistricting. Ohio, by law, must redraw its maps before the 2026 midterms. Republicans currently hold 10 of 15 House seats there and may attempt to expand that lead.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun will meet with Vice President J.D. Vance to discuss redistricting among other topics. Braun said the state may join the growing list of GOP-led efforts but is waiting for further discussions.

A National Power Struggle Over Maps

As more states weigh mid-decade redistricting, the redistricting battle after Texas maps is shaping up to be a defining moment for the 2026 election. What was once a quiet process has now turned into an open, high-stakes political war.

SOURCE: ABC News