Texas and California Trade Threats Over Congressional Maps

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has stated that Texas could eliminate as many as 10 Democratic congressional districts if blue states like California move forward with plans to counteract Republican redistricting efforts.

Appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Abbott responded to concerns about a redistricting arms race by pointing to long-standing Democratic gerrymanders in states like California, Illinois, and New York.

“Look at the map of Illinois. Look at California, New York, Massachusetts — they’ve gerrymandered for years,” Abbott said. “If California tries to gerrymander, find more districts, Texas has the ability to eliminate 10 Democrats in our state.”

Currently, Texas has 25 Republican-held House seats and 12 Democratic ones, with one vacancy following the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D). Under the latest proposed map, Republicans are eyeing at least five additional seats.

Abbott’s remarks suggest that Texas may go further if Democratic-controlled states pursue aggressive counter-mapping strategies.

The redistricting effort in Texas, backed by President Donald Trump, has stalled as Democrats in the Texas House continue to deny Republicans a quorum by fleeing the state.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has called a special legislative session for November to consider a new congressional map aimed at neutralizing GOP gains.

“If Texas moves forward, California will not sit back,” Newsom said. His proposed map could add five new Democratic seats, a critical move as Democrats aim to retake the U.S. House in 2026 by flipping just three seats.

Other Democratic strongholds, including New York and Illinois, are also signaling they may redraw their maps in response. On the Republican side, governors in Florida, Missouri, and Indiana are considering similar moves.

With partisan control of the House hanging in the balance, both sides appear ready for a high-stakes national redistricting clash.