Texas and California Republicans and Democrats Clash Over Redistricting Plans in Nation’s Largest States

In a significant development, Texas Republicans are poised to redraw the state’s congressional maps following the return of Democratic legislators to the Capitol on Monday, marking an end to their 15-day walkout. Meanwhile, California Democrats have initiated work on proposals aimed at counterbalancing the GOP’s proposed map with five additional Democrat-leaning districts.

The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, and Republicans are expected to expedite the approval of a new map that could potentially create five more Republican-favoring US House seats. However, it remains uncertain how swiftly the redistricting process will be completed and whether it will be finalized this week.

The state House’s calendars committee voted on Tuesday to schedule the redistricting bill for debate on the House floor on Wednesday. The legislature concluded its first special session last Friday, but Republican Governor Greg Abbott promptly announced a second special session to demonstrate the Democrats could not outlast the Republicans’ efforts.

The redistricting plan requires approval from the Senate as well, which seems to be merely a formality. President Donald Trump has urged Texas Republicans to act swiftly, expressing his support on Truth Social Monday evening.

On Monday, the state House Redistricting committee approved new congressional maps in a 12-8 vote. These maps vary slightly from those considered during the first special session. However, House Speaker Dustin Burrows is making efforts to ensure the approval of these maps.

Shortly after the House convened, Burrows ordered the doors locked and announced that the Democrats who had previously left the state would be handed over to a designated Department of Public Safety officer for their return on Wednesday. Democratic Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier spent the night on the Texas House floor in protest, refusing to comply with the Republican demand to be escorted by the department.

In California, Democrats are progressing towards passing their redistricting push by Thursday. Party leaders unveiled a proposed constitutional amendment to redraw the state’s congressional maps through 2030 on Monday, along with legislation detailing the new districts and a bill calling for and funding a November special election.

All three bills require a two-thirds majority vote, although the constitutional amendment does not necessitate the governor’s signature. The bills must be left untouched for 72 hours before members can vote on them. The state Senate and Assembly’s elections committees will meet to consider the bills at specified times on Monday and Tuesday.

California Democrats and Republicans held contrasting press conferences on Monday. State and congressional Democrats portrayed their redistricting push as both a response to Texas and a countermeasure against increasing authoritarianism from Trump.

“They are so afraid to face real oversight and accountability that they’re rigging the system to stay in power,” said US Rep. Pete Aguilar, referring to the Trump administration. “So, we’re here today to make it clear that we’re not going to sit on the sidelines and we’re going to play offense.”

Senate Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire dismissed complaints from California Republicans opposed to mid-cycle redistricting, claiming they were motivated by self-interest.

“The only reason that we are here is because of President Trump and American Republicans and their leadership,” he said. “So, candidly, I think that is fake outrage and crocodile tears.”

During their press conference, California Republican assemblymembers criticized partisan gerrymandering – or “Gavinmandering” – and vowed to prevent its advancement.

“We will stop, hopefully, this from moving forward,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher. “But I tell you what: Even if we don’t, the voters are on our side. We believe at the end of the day the voters want to keep fair and independent elections.”

Senate and Assembly Republicans introduced a joint resolution on Monday urging the US Congress to put forward a constitutional amendment requiring all states to use nonpartisan, independent redistricting commissions for drawing congressional and legislative district lines.

“We’re saying that should be the case in Texas, that should be the case here,” Gallagher said. “But you don’t abandon your principles here in California, and that’s what Gavin Newsom is doing when he says fight fire with fire.”