Texas and California joust for political advantage, with Trump’s agenda and House majority in play Politics Aug 5, 2025 10:00 AM EDT

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The nation’s two most populous states — California and Texas — grappled for political advantage in advance of 2026 elections that could reorder the balance of power in Washington and threaten President Donald Trump’s agenda at the midpoint of his second term.

In Texas, Democrats on Monday prevented their state’s House of Representatives from moving forward, at least for now, with a redrawn congressional map sought by Trump to shore up Republicans’ 2026 midterm prospects as his political standing falters.

In California, Democrats encouraged by Gov. Gavin Newsom are considering new political maps that could slash five Republican-held H

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