Austin,( Texas )Aug 21(HS):

Texas Republicans have approved new congressional voting maps designed to cement their dominance in Washington, pushing through legislation that creates five additional GOP-leaning seats despite fierce opposition from Democrats who branded the move a “power grab.”

The House voted 88-52 after weeks of political drama, including a Democratic walkout to block a quorum and subsequent threats of arrest by Governor Greg Abbott. To prevent another delay, House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered chamber doors locked and placed Democrats under police escort, sparking protests that saw lawmakers sleep overnight at the statehouse in defiance.

The maps, now bound for swift approval in the Texas Senate, are expected to bolster Republicans’ narrow US House majority ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump has explicitly backed the changes, framing them as a safeguard against Democratic gains.

The move reignites debate over gerrymandering, with Democrats and civil rights advocates warning the new districts deliberately dilute minority voting power, potentially violating federal law. Lawsuits are widely anticipated.

Meanwhile, Democratic-led states such as California have pledged to redraw their maps to claw back influence, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring: “It’s on, Texas.”

Republicans countered that Democrats forfeited their voice by abandoning the statehouse. “You left us for 18 days, and that’s wrong,” GOP legislator Todd Hunter told his colleagues. But Democrats accused Republicans of trying to “steal” elections, calling the changes rooted in “racism and power.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar