Texas Republicans are using this month’s special session to attempt to lock in the party’s majority in Congress by means of weakening or eliminating Democratic districts in the state. As

Districts in Houston, Austin, Dallas and South Texas could be part of the push to create up to five new Republican seats in Congress.

By taking up new congressional maps pushed by President Trump first, Republicans hope to discourage Democrats from walking out of a special session before they vote on flood relief.

Republicans hold 25 out of 38 congressional seats, or 65% of the delegation. Trump only won 56% of the vote in the 2024 election, while former Vice President Kamala Harris won 42%. The state's delegation is 65.8% white, while Texas’ population is less than 40% white.

At Trump's urging, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has requested lawmakers potentially redraw the state's electoral map. Opponents warn it could backfire.

With few options to prevent the Republican majority from passing a new congressional map, Democrats threatened to filibuster, delay hearings and even break quorum.

After the devastating July 4 floods in Central Texas, people across the state have called for more warning systems. While it’s still not entirely clear how the House will approach this problem, Brazos County Representative Paul Dyson told KBTX on Monday that a committee has been formed to tackle the issue.

Why is this about the Texas Republicans' redistricting gambit a story with importance far beyond the Lone Star State? Several reasons, actually.