President Donald Trump has called for redrawing Texas’s congressional map to secure five additional House seats for Republicans, suggesting similar efforts in other states could yield more gains. The move, backed by the White House and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, aims to counter potential Democratic gains in the 2026 midterm elections but faces criticism for its risks.
According to a report by POLITICO, the White House and the Justice Department have been pushing for redistricting in Texas, with Governor Greg Abbott urging state leaders to take action during a summer special session. The initiative is seen as an opportunity for Republicans to maintain their dominance in the House, particularly with the 2.2 million vote margin they held in the previous election. However, some political analysts warn that this move could backfire, as it may lead to a redistribution of voter bases that could benefit Democrats in the long run.
Currently, Democrats control 12 of Texas’s 38 congressional districts, with an additional 13th district in downtown Houston remaining vacant following the death of former Rep. Sylvester Turner. Redrawing the map to concentrate Republican voters in Democratic districts could make those races more competitive, while simultaneously diluting the GOP advantage in their own districts. This could create a potential for Democrats to secure more seats in Texas than they might otherwise achieve.
Republican Rep. Julie Johnson has voiced concerns about the potential risks of the redistricting plan, stating that it could make Republicans vulnerable in a potential wave election for Democrats. The White House’s broader strategy includes the possibility of influencing redistricting in other states, such as Ohio, which is required by law to redraw its congressional map this year and could potentially provide additional gains for Republicans.
While the push for redistricting is framed as a strategic move to protect the Republican majority, critics argue that it carries significant political risks. The long-term impact of this redrawing on both parties’ representation in the House remains uncertain, with the 2026 midterm elections serving as a critical test for the effectiveness of the strategy.