The Texas Senate has approved a new congressional map that could give Republicans up to five additional U.S. House seats. The map now goes to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature. Democratic State Senator Carol Alvarado led a filibuster against the plan, saying it reduces the influence of urban and minority voters, especially by merging Houston’s Districts 9 and 18. “Their needs are different from those in urban Houston. When you combine those areas into a single congressional district, you end up with split priorities,” Alvarado said. U.S. Congressman Al Green noted the two districts have traditionally been represented by African American lawmakers, while Republicans, including Senator John Cornyn, said the map provides fair representation across the state, as reported by Click2Houston.
The legislative map is now awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s approval, with support from former President Donald Trump, who praised Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s handling of the redistricting plan, as per Click2Houston. Democratic State Senator Carol Alvarado questioned the timing and motives behind the approval and said it could set a precedent for other states while emphasizing that the fight over fair representation is not finished.
The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 4, a Trump-backed congressional redistricting plan, and sent it to the Governor after weeks of protests, walkouts by House Democrats, and debates. The Senate approved the bill early Saturday, setting up changes to district boundaries ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans say the plan is legal, while Democrats, including Sen. Judith Zaffirini, said, “It further erodes the strength of minority districts, diminishing our ability to elect candidates of our choice and silencing voices that deserve to be heard,” as mentioned by Houston Public Media.
