The ongoing redistricting wars in Texas and California are threatening to reshape Congress and imperil a number of House lawmakers who play key roles in energy and environment policy.
Texas GOP state lawmakers drew new district lines in July, responding to President Donald Trump’s request to get five more safe Republican seats out of the state through gerrymandering, despite redistricting usually only happening after a decennial census. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed the new maps into law Friday, to be effective for next year’s midterms.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) responded by proposing a newly gerrymandered map in the Golden State, with a goal of offsetting Texas’ GOP gains. Lawmakers passed legislation for the new map in August, but it has to be approved by voters in November.
The battle is far from over. Republican-led Missouri this week will consider a redistricting plan that targets a Democratic-held seat. Other states might join in with their own gerrymandering, and both the Texas and California efforts are facing litigation.
