Texas House passes GOP redistricting bill amid fierce Democratic opposition

DDM News

(DDM) – The Texas House of Representatives has approved a controversial redistricting bill that could deliver Republicans up to five additional U.S. House seats.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the measure passed on a 88–52 vote after weeks of tense standoffs, partisan walkouts, and late-night floor protests.

The bill now heads to the Texas Senate, where swift approval is expected before Governor Greg Abbott signs it into law.

Partisan Tensions at Breaking Point

Democrats condemned the bill as a calculated effort to weaken the influence of non-White voters through gerrymandering.

Representative Gene Wu, a leading Democrat, accused Republicans of manipulating the electoral map, saying:

“You may not understand gerrymandering. You may not understand redistricting. But I hope you understand lying, cheating and stealing.”

Wu linked the maneuver to a broader Republican strategy aligned with former President Donald Trump, claiming it reflects a refusal to compete on a level playing field.

Republicans Stand Firm

Only one Republican, Representative Todd Hunter, spoke in support of the measure, unapologetically admitting that partisan gain was a factor in the redistricting push.

Hunter criticized Democrats for abandoning the state during the first special session and defended the maps as a legitimate political strategy.

Democrats Vow Court Challenge

Despite lacking the votes to block the bill, Democratic leaders pledged to take the battle to court.

Representative Nicole Collier, who spent the night on the House floor in protest, declared that the fight marks the start of a new phase in Texas Democratic politics.

“Today is not the end. It is the start of a new beginning,” Collier told reporters, vowing to challenge the maps through sustained legal and political action.

Background: Partisan Redistricting Battles

Redistricting occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census, allowing states to redraw congressional maps to reflect population changes.

In Texas, Republicans have dominated the process for decades, frequently facing accusations of racial and partisan gerrymandering.

Legal battles are expected to reach federal courts, potentially delaying implementation before the 2026 midterms.