Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a new congressional voting map designed to help Republicans gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a win for President Donald Trump and his desire to hold on to a slim GOP majority in the U.S. House. The Texas maps drafted in rare mid-decade redistricting have prompted a gerrymandering tug-of-war for voters with Democrats in states across the country. Outnumbered Democrats tried in vain to stop the Texas vote. At one point, they staged a two-week walkout. Democrats have vowed to challenge the new map in court.

Texas Republicans are pushing to finalize a mid-decade redraw of the state's congressional map. The GOP-controlled Senate debated the bill on Friday, with Democrats questioning its legality. They argue it violates the Voting Rights Act by diluting racial voter influence. California Democrats responded to the Texas effort by passing legislation Thursday for a special election to approve their own redrawn map. The moves are part of a broader redistricting battle among states. Both parties are redrawing lines to secure power ahead of the midterms, with accusations of gerrymandering on both sides.

Former President Barack Obama has expressed support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to redistricting. Obama spoke at a fundraiser on Martha's Vineyard, emphasizing the need for Democrats to respond effectively to Republican-led redistricting efforts, particularly in Texas. He praised Newsom's plan as responsible and temporary, contingent on Republican states' actions. The event raised $2 million for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. Texas lawmakers have been debating a new congressional map that could create five new GOP seats. Democratic governors are considering similar strategies to strengthen their party's position in Congress.