President Trump is urging Texas lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session, predicting Republicans could secure five additional U.S. House seats. He stated, “Just a simple redrawing we pick up five seats” and hinted that similar redistricting in states such as Ohio could yield three to five more GOP seats.
Currently, Republicans hold 25 of Texas’s 38 congressional seats, while Democrats control 12 and one seat remains vacant. Trump’s push—backed by the White House, DOJ, and Governor Abbott—is positioned as a key strategy to prevent Democrats from retaking the House in the 2026 midterms.
Critics warn the plan risks weakening existing GOP districts by shifting voters, potentially making once-safe Republican seats more competitive—especially if Democrats mount a surge in 2026. Concerns also include alleged dilution of minority voter representation, particularly among Black and Latino communities.
This redistricting effort extends beyond Texas. Ohio, which requires new maps this year, could deliver three GOP seats, and other Republican-led states are reportedly considering similar strategies .
Texas Governor Abbott has already scheduled the redistricting for a special legislative session beginning July 21. He cites DOJ warnings concerning racial gerrymandering under the 2021 map as justification. However, Democrats argue this is a blatant power grab and plan legal challenges to block it .
