The Republican-controlled Texas state Senate passed the party’s new congressional maps overnight, completing a legislative odyssey that included significant Democratic delays and sparked a nationwide scramble over redistricting in the process.

The vote means the maps, which were designed to pad the Republican majority in the U.S. Congress, will go into effect when signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, a proponent of the plan who has been cheered on by President Donald Trump.

Democrats have promised to challenge the measure in court.

Trump initially led the calls for Texas to redraw its congressional map, saying his party is “entitled to” five more congressional seats from the state. That’s what the maps intend to do: By redrawing congressional district boundaries in key cities as well as along th

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