The Texas Senate voted 18-11 to pass a Republican-drawn congressional map, sending it to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature.
The map, designed to bolster the Republican majority in Congress, redraws district boundaries to create five additional GOP-leaning seats.
This follows a contentious legislative process marked by Democratic efforts to delay the vote.
Democrats have vowed to challenge the map in court, arguing it undermines fair representation.
The decision is expected to influence the 2026 midterm elections, where control of the U.S. House remains closely contested.
The Senate’s approval came after over eight hours of intense debate, ending just after midnight on Saturday.
Democrats, led by State Sen. Carol Alvarado, attempted to delay the vote through a planned filibuster but were thwarted when Republicans accused Alvarado of violating Senate rules.
The map’s passage has drawn sharp criticism, with State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt calling it “disgraceful” on X.
Democrats argue the map deviates from the traditional decennial redistricting cycle and could diminish minority representation, a claim Republicans dispute.
The Texas map has ignited a broader redistricting battle nationwide.
California Democrats have responded with a proposal to redraw their state’s congressional map, aiming to secure five additional Democratic seats in a special election this fall.
Unlike Texas, California’s process requires voter approval due to its nonpartisan commission system.
Governor Abbott dismissed California’s plan as “a joke,” asserting Texas’s map is constitutional.
The Texas redraw has also prompted Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett to announce he will not seek re-election if the new map takes effect, highlighting its immediate political impact.