The Texas state House passed a new set of GOP-friendly congressional lines in a key preliminary vote on Wednesday, putting the party one step closer toward adopting a new map that sparked a redistricting arms race across the country.

The lower chamber approved the new maps on party lines, 88-52, in the first of two key votes. The final passage of the map in the House is expected to take place later on Wednesday.

Its likely passage marks a key victory for Republicans, who were called into a second special session by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) after efforts to pass their House map stalled during their first 30-day session when Democrats fled the state in protest. The state Senate will next need to pass the map before it heads to Abbott's desk for his signature.

Republicans faced pressure from t

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