AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Republicans began a second special session Friday to approve new congressional maps sought by President Donald Trump to bolster his party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as California Democrats prepared to unveil their own redistricting plan in an intensifying fight over control of Congress.

The GOP’s first special session in Texas ended without approving new political maps, thwarted by Democrats who staged a nearly two-week walkout that meant not enough lawmakers were present to pass legislation.

Gov. Greg Abbott then quickly called a second session that started without the necessary quorum to conduct business.

Absent lawmakers said they will return to Austin once California Democrats take more formal steps on their own redistricting plan they’ve been shaping

See Full Page