Texas is undergoing a major redistricting effort that could add five new Republican seats in the U.S. House, shifting the state’s delegation from a 25-13 GOP majority to 30-8.
The five Democrat-held seats projected to be eliminated include the 9th, 28th, 29th, 32nd, and 34th congressional districts. The effort, which reportedly began during the Trump previous term, is aimed at preventing a repeat of the 2018 midterms, when Republicans lost control of the House.
“Texas will be the biggest one,” President Donald Trump told Fox News. “Just a simple redrawing, we pick up five seats.”
Democrats have sharply criticized the effort. Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu said, “There are sacrifices that we are willing to make because we understand how important this is. And if this is allowed to happen unchecked in this state, in Texas, this will happen everywhere across the nation.”
Republicans, however, argue the proposed map reflects fair political representation. Justin Bryan Galloway, a Tarrant County Republican precinct chair, wrote on Facebook, “The new proposed redistricting map looks fine to me. There should be no Democratic rural areas. This map more accurately represents Texas political distribution.”
Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French told The Dallas Express, “Democrats always use their power when they have it. It is long past time for Republicans to do the same. If we want to save America then Republicans have to start playing to win.”
National conservative voices echoed support. DC Draino posted on X, “Why are we redistricting Texas to take 5 seats? B/c the last time Dems had power, they: Flooded our country w/10+ million illegals. Forced vaccines & masks. Shut down our businesses & censored our speech. Unleashed record inflation & violent crime. Democrats have become full blown communists and must be defeated at all costs.”
The potential new districts have already stirred political interest.
“I’m greatly encouraged by the calls I’m receiving about the new congressional district in Harris County. Bergundi and I will take time to pray and thoughtfully consider where God would have us serve,” State Rep. Briscoe Cain told Texas Scorecard.
If approved, the plan would mark one of the most significant political shifts in Texas in decades, potentially solidifying Republican influence for upcoming elections.