Post Reports The Texas-California showdown over redistricting
Aug 21, 2025
Maeve Reston, a politics reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the controversial redistricting in Texas, highlighting how newly drawn maps could strengthen GOP dominance while allegedly diluting representation for communities of color. She also covers the dramatic exit of Texas Democrats, aimed at stalling the GOP's plans, and the unsettling climate of surveillance faced by elected officials. Additionally, the conversation contrasts Texas's politically charged redistricting with California's independent approach, revealing broader implications for party power.
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Why Texas Moved Mid-Cycle
- Republicans pushed mid-cycle redistricting after Trump urged Texas to gain more seats following 2020 gains.
- Mid-cycle maps aim to lock a partisan advantage ahead of 2026 midterms.
How The Map Advantages Republicans
- Texas GOP maps were drawn to produce five additional Republican-leaning congressional seats.
- The maps split communities of color and employ cracking and packing to reduce Democratic influence.
Democrats Flee, Then Return
- Texas Democrats fled the state to deny quorum and delay the vote but could not stay away indefinitely.
- Their return was influenced by threats and by California's swift move to redraw maps that could offset Texas's gains.