Texas Voters split on Redistricting

Texas Democrats and Republicans have been at war over the GOP’s effort to add five congressional seats, and it appears that voters are split on their redistricting effort.

A new Emerson College poll shows that Texas voters are sharply divided over redistricting efforts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The survey found that 35% of voters are following redistricting “very closely,” while 43% are paying “somewhat close” attention. Only 22% reported little to no interest in the matter.

When asked about a proposal to redraw the state’s congressional map, Texans were nearly evenly split with 36% expressing support for the plan, 38% opposing it, and 26% remaining unsure.

The poll also tested reactions to President Donald Trump’s (R) July claim that Republicans in Texas are “entitled to five more congressional seats.” 40% of voters agreed with the president’s statement, 38% disagreed, and 22% were neutral.

In opposition to the effort, Texas Democrats famously fled the state, which prolonged a vote for the measure and triggered another special session that Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced last week.

In the poll, Texas voters were asked if the Democratic legislators who left the state to block a redistricting vote should face arrest. 41% of the voters agreed that the lawmakers should be arrested, while 37% disagreed and 22% were neutral.

Emerson College also conducted a survey of the senate race between Senator John Cornyn (R) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R).

Spencer Kimball, the Emerson College Polling Executive Director, noted that “majorities of both Cornyn and Paxton primary voters believe legislators should be arrested.” “Though the sentiment is 11 points higher among Paxton voters (79%) than among Cornyn voters (68%).”

Redistricting has been a controversial topic in the Lone Star state, and the conversation has spread to other states like California, who are threatening to redraw their own maps to add Democrat seats.