Texas House prepares to vote on redistricting plan

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Texas Republicans could pass critical legislation Wednesday giving them an advantage in next year’s midterms.

Right now, Democrats and Republicans are debating a bill allowing the GOP to carve out districts likely to give them five extra congressional seats.

Typically, maps are redrawn every decade following the census report, which is why this battle has garnered so much attention.  Texas Democrats who fled the state in an attempt to delay the vote are putting up a fight to the very end.

“This is unprecedented, and it is wrong,” said Texas State Rep. Chris Turner (D).

Texas Democrats slammed Republicans who are likely to advance President Donald Trump’s plan to redraw Texas’ election maps giving Republicans a chance to pick up five more congressional seats in next year’s midterms.

“The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward: Improve Republican political performance,” said Texas State Rep. Todd Hunter (R).

Ahead of the debate Democrats tried to hold the line. They delayed the vote 15 days by fleeing the state.  Since returning they’ve been assigned round the clock police escorts to prevent another escape.  Seven Democrats refused and were stuck on the House floor overnight.

“We’ll keep doing this tit for tat as long as they’re doing it,” said Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier (D).

California Democrats are now stepping in.  Governor Gavin Newsom is urging voters in his state to support a ballot measure that could give Democrats five more congressional seats Texas is merely the first state the president is eyeing.  The White House is also urging states like Indiana and Missouri to redraw their maps to give Republicans a better shot at maintaining control in Washington.