Saralnama
The Texas Senate approved a new congressional redistricting map early Saturday, designed to create five additional Republican-leaning seats for the 2026 midterm elections. The vote was along party lines, 18-11, after Republicans used a procedural motion to block a planned Democratic filibuster led by Senator Carol Alvarado. Democrats opposed the map, arguing it dilutes African-American and Hispanic votes and continues Texas's history of racial discrimination. Republicans countered that four of the five new seats have Hispanic majorities and defended the map's legality. The bill now awaits Governor Greg Abbott's signature, which is expected promptly. The redistricting follows a contentious political battle, including a Democratic walkout in July to prevent the map's passage. The dispute has drawn national attention and prompted California's Democratic governor to propose a redistricting plan aimed at creating more Democratic seats. President Donald Trump had pressured Texas Republicans to redraw the map to maintain GOP control of the U.S. House. The redistricting intensifies the stakes for next year's elections, with Republicans currently controlling Congress and Democrats seeking to regain the House majority. (Updated 23 Aug 2025, 21:13 IST; source: link)