More than 5,000 people gathered at the Texas Capitol to protest a Republican-led redistricting effort backed by President Trump (R) and Governor Greg Abbott (R). The proposed maps, which could give Republicans five additional U.S. House seats, have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and voting rights advocates.
The protest, organized under the banner “Fight the Trump Takeover,” followed weeks of political tension. Over 50 Texas House Democrats fled the state earlier this month to block a quorum during the first special legislative session, temporarily halting the map’s approval.
Now back in Austin for a second special session, Democrats are signaling they intend to continue the fight, even without the numbers to block the bill.
“This isn’t just about Texas,” Congressman Greg Casar (D) told the crowd. “Trump doesn’t have a plan to win— he has a plan to rig the election.”
Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D) echoed those concerns. He warned the GOP’s redistricting push stems from fear of accountability.
“If they can’t hold the House, they can’t stop investigations or impeachments,” O’Rourke said.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson recently acknowledged that if Democrats retake the House in 2026, Trump could face renewed impeachment efforts. The new Texas map is one of several efforts by Republicans to secure an electoral edge before that vote.
Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D) said Democrats likely can’t block the map this session. They’re instead focusing on long-term strategies.
“If the map is signed into law next week — and it might be — we still have options,” Doggett said. “We organize, we vote, and we fight in every district.”
Doggett noted demographic changes in some redrawn districts may still favor Democrats, particularly those with growing Hispanic majorities.
The Texas Legislature plans to vote on the final map in the coming days.
