Texas Republicans pass redistricting map creating 5 new GOP-leaning congressional seats despite Democratic objections about minority voting power dilution.

Former President Barack Obama has expressed support for California Governor Gavin Newsom's approach to redistricting.

State party vice chair Jennifer Bukowsky said she expects a special session when district lines are decided by national Republicans.

Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the longest-serving member of Texas' congressional delegation, announced Thursday that he will retire instead of run for re-election if new congressional district boundaries aren't rejected in court after state Republicans carved up his Austin-area home district in new maps.

The state House has reconvened on Wednesday as GOP lawmakers in the Lone Star State look to push ahead with a newly redrawn congressional map designed for Republicans to pick up five U.S. House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The plan, known as House Bill 4, could come to a vote on Wednesday in the House and as early as Thursday in the Senate.

Trump's push for states to redraw political maps and create more GOP-friendly House seats in time for the 2026 election has raised the stakes.

Democrats and voting rights advocates have denounced the redistricting effort, which is designed to give the GOP five more seats in the U.S. House.