Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast Trump Pushes Texas to Redraw Congressional Lines to Benefit GOP
Jul 22, 2025
Matthew Choi, co-writer of The Washington Post's Early Brief politics newsletter, dives into the ongoing redistricting efforts in Texas influenced by President Trump. He discusses the special legislative session aimed at bolstering GOP power, the challenges posed by Democrats like Gavin Newsom, and the complexities of gerrymandering. Choi highlights the urgency for Texas to reshape its congressional maps, revealing how political maneuvering could reshape the state’s electoral landscape and impact urban areas leaning Democratic.
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Trump Drives Texas Redistricting Push
- President Trump instigated Texas Republicans to redraw Congressional lines for five new GOP seats.
- Some Republican incumbents were hesitant as many already hold safe seats.
Texas Legislature Controls Redistricting
- Texas legislature leads redistricting without an effective independent commission.
- Mid-decade redistricting is legal in Texas and was upheld by courts in 2003-04.
Historic 2003 Texas Redistricting Influence
- The 2003-04 mid-decade Texas redistricting set a precedent enabling other states to consider similar actions.
- The current effort is unusual as it comes from the White House rather than state lawmakers.