Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is directing state lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map at a special legislative session later this month.
Under the current GOP-drawn Texas map, Republicans won 25 of the state’s 38 House seats last fall, while Democrats took the remaining 13 districts. But allies of President Donald Trump have encouraged Lone Star State lawmakers to redraw the district lines in advance of next year’s midterm elections to help House Republicans pick up more seats as they defend their narrow majority.
Redistricting is one part of a packed agenda that Abbott announced Wednesday for the special session, which is set to begin on July 21. Other items include legislation to improve early warning systems and strengthen emergency communications in flood-prone areas of the state and to provide relief funding for those affected by the devastating floods over the July Fourth weekend, which have claimed more than 100 lives.
