Republican leaders in the Texas House initiated debate on a new congressional map that would create five additional GOP-leaning districts. The map was advanced following pressure from President Donald Trump to avert potential midterm losses and preserve Republican control of the U.S. House. Texas Democrats disrupted the process by leaving the state for 15 days to deny a quorum and delay the vote. The map's author acknowledged its intent to improve Republican performance, while Democrats called it antidemocratic and pledged court challenges. The state Senate and Governor must also approve the map. Some Democrats faced police escorts and confinement during the protest, led by Rep. Nicole Collier.
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Republican-controlled Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday kicked off a heated debate over a new congressional map creating five new potential GOP seats that is expected to pass the chamber later in the day as part of a growing national redistricting battle. The plan is the result of prodding by President Donald Trump, eager to stave off a midterm defeat that would deprive his party of control of the House of Representatives.
State Rep. Todd Hunter, who wrote the legislation formally creating the new map, noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed politicians to redraw districts for nakedly partisan purposes. "The underlying goal of this plan is straight forward: improve Republican political performance," Hunter, a Republican, said as debate began. Democrats responded that that was counter to the country's values. "In a democracy, people choose their representatives," said State Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat.
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