Texas Democrats to return after governor ends special session that included redistricting, sources say.
Alright, so here’s the deal: the first special session in Texas, the one that had everyone on edge about redistricting, has come to an end. And what does this mean? According to, well, sources familiar with the matter, Texas Democrats are heading back. But let’s be clear: it’s not exactly a victory parade. It’s more like a strategic regrouping, a pause to catch their breath before the next round. And believe me, based on the buzz, the next round is absolutely coming.
The big question on everyone’s mind, and trust me, it’s echoing around, is whether this is all a carefully laid trap.… Continue reading
Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that Texas could eliminate up to 10 Democratic districts if California redraws its House map, a move that would neutralize expected Republican gains in the state. Abbott cited instances of gerrymandering in other blue states like Illinois, California, New York, and Massachusetts as justification. Texas Republicans currently aim to gain five seats next year, but their redistricting efforts are stalled by Democrats’ absence. The looming redistricting battle includes California’s plan for a special session, and potential map revisions in New York, Illinois, Florida, Missouri, and Indiana.
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California Democrats are finalizing a plan to redraw the state’s Congressional maps with the intention of unseating five Republican representatives. This move comes in response to Texas’s redistricting efforts. The proposed maps, set to be released, aim to create more Democratic-leaning districts, and the plan will be put to the voters. This is expected to be a one-time emergency measure, and the independent commission will resume its responsibilities after the next census, with the new maps potentially affecting the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections if approved.
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Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a warning to former President Trump regarding potential congressional redistricting efforts in Texas, suggesting California may redraw its own maps to counteract any partisan advantage gained by Republicans. Newsom, anticipating a potential mid-decade gerrymander in Texas, indicated that this action would be a threat to American democracy. Emphasizing his belief in independent redistricting, Newsom stated that California will take action if Texas proceeds with its plans, potentially impacting the political landscape. The governor’s office followed this up with a post on X, reiterating the threat to redraw maps and using all caps to get their point across.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to unfairly redistrict Texas, calling Trump a “cheater” and Abbott a “joke.” Pritzker defended Illinois’ adherence to the law in creating its district map, contrasting it with Abbott’s alleged attempts to undermine federal law. These actions are perceived as a response to concerns about potential Republican losses in the 2026 midterm elections. Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are discussing potential redistricting plans to counter these efforts, with Democratic governors in states like California and New York considering their own redistricting actions.
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Democrats are shifting their approach from a policy of civility to one of aggressive political combat in response to Republican efforts to gerrymander electoral maps and gain power. Facing what they see as authoritarian tactics, Democratic leaders like Ken Martin and Jasmine Crockett are advocating for a “fight fire with fire” strategy, including redistricting efforts in their own states. This shift marks a departure from the party’s traditional emphasis on playing by the rules, with figures such as Eric Holder acknowledging the need for aggressive countermeasures. While some observers express concern over potentially sacrificing moral high ground, Democrats believe that a strong response is necessary to protect democracy, even if it means playing the same game as their opponents.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan for a November special election to redraw congressional maps, aiming to counter Texas’s redistricting efforts. Newsom stated California would “nullify” actions taken in Texas, appearing alongside former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Texas Democratic lawmakers who left their state to block redistricting. The proposed maps are expected to be released next week, and the measure would only take effect if other GOP-led states follow through with their plans. This action is in response to Texas’s redrawn congressional maps, which could potentially give Republicans more seats in the House.
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GOP Texas map has Austin residents sharing district with rural Texans 300 miles away. It seems like the situation in Texas regarding the recent redistricting is, to put it mildly, generating a lot of strong opinions. The core of the issue is that the new maps, drawn by the Republican Party, have resulted in Austin residents being lumped into the same congressional district as people living in rural areas, some as far as 300 miles away. This is, at its heart, a textbook example of gerrymandering.
GOP Texas map has Austin residents sharing district with rural Texans 300 miles away. This tactic isn’t exactly new in Texas.… Continue reading
Texas House fails to reach quorum as Democratic walkout hits sixth day. It’s hard not to be struck by the intensity of the situation unfolding in Texas right now. The news of the Democratic walkout, stretching into its sixth day, and the resulting failure to reach a quorum in the House of Representatives, paints a picture of deep political division and high stakes maneuvering. It’s a reminder of how sharply partisan politics have become, and how willing each side is to use every tool at their disposal, even to the point of disrupting the normal functioning of government.
The frustration and outrage expressed in many of the comments is palpable, with anger directed towards the Republican Party and their tactics.… Continue reading
Newsom says special election on California redistricting planned for November, and it’s stirring up a real buzz, isn’t it? It seems like a lot of people are feeling pretty fired up about this. The general sentiment seems to be a mix of “it’s about time” and a grudging acceptance that this is the only way to play the game when the other side isn’t playing fair. The whole situation is clearly riling up passions and pushing some folks to the edge.
The driving force behind this move is, of course, the issue of gerrymandering, which, if you’ve been following along, is the practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party over another.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker