The Texas House of Representatives approved new congressional district maps on Wednesday evening, a move that could significantly benefit Republican candidates in upcoming elections. The maps are designed to potentially flip five districts from Democratic to Republican control by merging Democratic seats in major urban areas like Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Additionally, two districts in the Rio Grande Valley, currently held by Democrats, will be made more competitive.

The vote followed a lengthy debate and came after state Democrats criticized the mid-decade redistricting as a blatant attempt at gerrymandering. They argued that the changes were aimed at increasing the number of Republican congressional seats. The special session was initially delayed when Democrats left the state to deny a quorum, despite threats of arrest from Governor Greg Abbott and other Republican leaders.

Some Democrats returned to the statehouse on Monday, allowing the legislature to reach a quorum, but they continued to voice their opposition to the redistricting plan. This plan, which has the backing of former President Donald Trump, is expected to pass the state Senate soon and will then be sent to Governor Abbott for approval.

During the session, a group of Texas House Democrats chose to forgo law enforcement escorts to avoid leaving the state again. They spent the night in the House in solidarity with state Representative Nicole Collier, who refused to sign a “permission slip” that would allow her to leave the Capitol with an escort.

The Texas Capitol also faced a social media threat on Tuesday night, prompting an evacuation of the grounds and the building. However, Democratic lawmakers who were already inside chose to remain.

The newly approved maps will now move to the state Senate, where they are anticipated to pass quickly. Democrats have expressed their intention to challenge the maps in court, arguing that the process lacked transparency and fairness. Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder condemned the maps as a violation of the Voting Rights Act and stated, "This fight is far from over. We, and the American people, will see this map in court."

As the redistricting process unfolds, the implications for the 2026 midterm elections remain significant, with the potential for a shift in the political landscape of Texas.