The Texas House of Representatives has passed House Bill 4, a Republican-led redistricting plan that could add up to five new GOP-leaning congressional districts.
The measure passed on Wednesday in two 88-52 votes after weeks of heated debate, quorum-breaking walkouts by Democrats, and strict new House rules aimed at preventing another standoff.
What the Bill Means
House Bill 4 redraws congressional maps in a way Republicans say reflects recent voting trends across Texas. The plan is expected to strengthen GOP control in the state and could flip up to five congressional seats in the 2026 midterms.
Governor Greg Abbott praised the bill and said he will sign it once it clears the Senate, calling it a “victory for Texas voters.”
Senate to Take It Up Next
The Texas Senate already approved a similar version of the bill earlier in the week. On Thursday evening, senators will consider the House-passed measure.
If no changes are made, the bill could reach Abbott’s desk by the end of the week. If changes are introduced, lawmakers from both chambers will need to negotiate in a conference committee.
Quorum Standoff and Escort Rule
The House vote followed a dramatic standoff earlier this month, when Democrats fled the state to block the measure by breaking quorum. Their absence stalled the first special session for nearly two weeks.
When lawmakers returned for a second special session, Speaker Dustin Burrows enforced a rule requiring Democratic members to be escorted by Department of Public Safety officers if they wanted to leave the Capitol.
Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) defied the order, was briefly locked in the chamber, and later filed a court petition claiming she was “illegally restrained.” Several Democrats later joined her in protest, spending the night inside the Capitol. The rule was dropped once the bill passed.
Reactions From Both Sides
The redistricting plan drew sharp, divided reactions:
Democrats’ concerns: They argue the maps are racially discriminatory, splitting up communities of color and weakening minority voting power. Rep. Venton Jones (D-Dallas) said Republicans were making “power grabs on the back of Black and Brown communities” and vowed to fight the maps in court.
Republicans’ defense: GOP lawmakers defended the maps as fair and reflective of recent voting trends. Rep. Katrina Pierson (R-Rockwall) dismissed the criticism, saying minority voters are increasingly supporting Republicans.
Rep. Mitch Little (R-Lewisville) called the passage “thrilling,” noting it marked rare unity among House Republicans.
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on Truth Social, calling the vote a “big win” and predicting it would secure more Republican congressional seats.
The Texas redistricting battle has highlighted sharp partisan divides, with Republicans celebrating a long-sought victory and Democrats preparing for a legal showdown. If the Senate passes the bill as expected, Governor Abbott is set to sign it, reshaping Texas’ political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.
