In the early hours of Saturday, the Texas Senate approved a redistricting bill that analysts say could give Republicans five additional seats in the House of Representatives after the 2026 midterm elections.
Meanwhile, in California, more than $20 million has already been raised by groups supporting and opposing a proposed gerrymandered map that could deliver Democrats five new seats.
Newsweek contacted Texas Governor Greg Abbott and California Governor Gavin Newsom for comment on Saturday via email outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
President Donald Trump has championed redistricting in Texas, supporting legislation that could expand the GOP’s narrow House majority by five seats. With Republicans currently holding just a seven-seat edge, the outcome of these efforts could shape control of the chamber after the next election.
In response, Governor Newsom advanced a rival redistricting bill in California, designed to cost Republicans five seats if the Texas plan takes effect. Under California law, however, the measure must be approved in a statewide special election before it becomes law.
What To Know
The Texas Senate passed the redistricting bill on Saturday by an 18–11 party-line vote after more than eight hours of debate.
Democratic State Senator Carol Alvarado had pledged to filibuster, but Republicans blocked her effort with a procedural maneuver. According to The Texas Tribune, some gallery observers were removed after shouting “fascist” and “shame” as the vote concluded.
Typically, congressional districts are redrawn every decade. Critics argue the Texas plan is aimed at securing partisan advantage.
In California, the state legislature has already approved a new map projected to benefit Democrats, but voters will decide its fate in a November 2025 special election.
Governor Newsom has said the plan is a direct response to Texas. According to Politico, Charles Munger, Jr.—who spearheaded efforts in 2010 to strip lawmakers of redistricting powers—strongly opposes the bill and has contributed $10 to block it.
Supporters of the California measure, including Newsom, the House Majority PAC, and SEIU California, have reported raising $6 million so far. High-profile Republicans, such as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and ex-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, are campaigning against the proposal. Former President Barack Obama has publicly endorsed it, calling it a needed counterbalance to Texas.
What People Are Saying
In a statement on X, Abbott wrote: “The One Big Beautiful Map has passed the Senate and is on its way to my desk, where it will be swiftly signed into law. I promised we would get this done, and delivered on that promise. I thank Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for leading the passage in the Senate of a bill that ensures our maps reflect Texans’ voting preferences.”
Republican State Senator Phil Kling, who sponsored the bill, added: “If Texas does not take this action, there is an extreme risk that the Republican majority will be lost. If it does, the next two years will be nothing but inquisitions, impeachments, and humiliation for our country.”
Democratic Senator Judith Zaffirini countered: “Today, the majority will prevail, but the rights of minorities were ignored, outnumbered, outvoted, and outgunned.”
Speaking to CNN, former California GOP chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson, now leading the group Stop Sacramento’s Power Grab, said: “We’re going to make sure voters see through what California Democrats have cooked up, and we’ll keep pushing that message.”
Obama praised Newsom’s approach, stating: “I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this.”
What Happens Next
California voters will make the final decision on Newsom’s redistricting proposal in November. President Trump has also reportedly encouraged Republicans in other states to pursue similar redistricting efforts, which could further shift the balance of power in the House.
