Texas lawmakers vote to change congressional map

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Texas Republican lawmakers advanced a new redistricting map that could give the GOP five additional seats in Congress. The controversial move is fueling redistricting battles in other states across the country.

Redistricting usually happens every ten years, but Texas Republicans say their new map reflects the state’s growth. Democrats argue it’s a power grab and the fight is already spilling beyond Texas.

After a two-week delay, the Republican-controlled Texas House passed a new redistricting map designed to give Republicans five more seats in Congress.

“It’s important to note that redistricting can be done at any point in time,” said Texas State Rep. Todd Hunter (R).

​it comes at the request of President Donald Trump but Democrats, who recently returned to Texas after fleeing to delay the vote, say they won’t give up.

“We’re here today to fight and set the legal challenge up for these rigged maps that we’re seeing, and we’ll take that to the court,” said Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier (D).

​ now Democrats in other states are jumping into the fight.  California Governor Gavin Newsom is backing a ballot measure that could give democrats five more seats in Congress.

“Yes, we’ll fight fire with fire. Yes, we will push back. It’s not about whether we play hardball, it’s about how hard we play hardball,” said Newsom.

Democrats are preparing to challenge the Texas map in court.   A fight that could help decide the balance of power in Congress.