LOS ANGELES (AP) — A political standoff in Texas regarding proposed House maps that could potentially provide Republicans with five additional seats is entering a new phase. Concurrently, heavily Democratic California is set to unveil its own redesigned maps aimed at reducing the number of Republican House districts in a bid to strengthen Democratic control over Congress.
The ongoing developments in Texas and California highlight the crucial stakes for both political parties in the closely contested House, which could ultimately influence the effectiveness of President Donald Trump’s agenda during the latter half of his term. In Texas, Democrats are moving closer to ending a walkout that has lasted nearly two weeks. This boycott has effectively stunted the GOP’s efforts to redraw U.S. House maps ahead of the 2026 elections. Texas Democrats announced their intention to return provided that Republicans conclude a special session and that California releases its proposed redrawn map, both anticipated events on Friday.
Nevertheless, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott is expected to initiate another special session aimed at pushing through new maps, leading Democratic lawmakers to threaten legal action in response. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that a special election will be held on November 4 to seek approval for reconfigured districts, which are intended to secure five additional U.S. House seats for Democrats as a strategic counter-response to the developments in Texas.
Newsom emphasized the necessity to actively defend democracy, proclaiming, “We can’t stand back and watch this democracy disappear district by district all across the country.” He framed the impending battle as one against the Trump administration, further suggesting that the potential congressional gains in Texas could significantly impact the Democrats' ability to influence the national agenda.
The partisan conflict has gained national attention, with Newsom’s announcement marking the first move by any state outside of Texas to engage in this mid-decade redistricting struggle. The Texas Democrats began their walkout on August 3, escaping to Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts to thwart the passage of new legislation. Similar redistricting initiatives are brewing in various states, from Florida to New York, spurred by the potential implications the new maps might hold for the balance of power ahead of the 2026 elections.
Governor Newsom called for solidarity among Democratic-led states to join the fight, stating, “We need to stand up — not just California. Other blue states need to stand up.” Currently, Republicans hold a narrow 219-212 majority in the House, with four vacancies, underscoring the critical nature of the proposed redistricting efforts.
The new California maps, if enacted, will only take effect in response to the actions of a Republican-controlled state. These maps are projected to stay in effect through the 2030 elections. After that, Democrats have expressed intentions to restore map-making authority to the independent commission established by voters over a decade ago.
In a campaign-like rally in Los Angeles, Newsom drew on the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the upcoming battle is not merely about redistricting but rather a confrontation with the Trump administration. He stated, “Donald Trump, you have poked the bear, and we will punch back,” appealing to the base as Democrats gear up to address the challenges posed by the previous electoral losses in 2024.
However, opposition to California's redistricting plan is starting to materialize, with potential lawsuits already being discussed. Influential figures, including former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, may actively campaign against the proposed maps. A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Newsom’s initiative as an exercise in consolidating Democratic power rather than addressing the needs of California voters.
Currently, California Democrats control 43 out of the state’s 52 House seats, with many of the state’s congressional seats considered highly competitive. Lawmakers are required to officially declare the special election, which they intend to accomplish next week following the vote on the new maps. With supermajorities in both legislative chambers, California Democrats have ample authority to push measures without requiring any bipartisan support.
