HOUSTON — Texas Republicans have released a proposed redistricting map that could shift political power across the state, potentially adding five congressional seats for the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The new map, backed by President Donald Trump , targets several Democratic-held districts, including Texas’ 9th, 18th, and 29th, all located in the Houston area and home to large Black and Latino populations.

The Department of Justice sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney Ken Paxton in early July saying the department believed those congressional districts are "unconstitutional racial gerrymanders."

The proposed maps are already drawing strong reactions from lawmakers and candidates across the state.

Rep. Al Green (D-TX 09) said:

“Today, I received what a

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