President Donald Trump communicated with Texas Republicans on September 26, 2023, expressing confidence that the GOP could potentially flip up to five seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This effort aligns with a broader Republican redistricting initiative in the state, aimed at bolstering the party’s position ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
During a call with members of the Texas delegation, Trump emphasized that the party’s strategy involves redrawing the state’s congressional maps. He took to Truth Social to share his optimism, stating, “Just spoke to our Great Congressmen and women of Texas,” and dismissing claims that Texas is shifting towards the Democratic Party. He added, “With the right Candidate, Texas isn’t ‘going Blue’ anytime soon!”
The White House has been actively pursuing this redistricting plan, despite some apprehension among Texas GOP members. According to two Republicans familiar with internal discussions, the administration has informed Texas Republican leaders of its objective to gain as many as five additional seats. Nevertheless, many within the party express skepticism about this ambitious target, with some considering a pickup of two seats as a more realistic goal.
Redistricting Process Underway
The Texas State Legislature is scheduled to reconvene next week for a special session focused on the redistricting process. This session is particularly notable as Texas completed its decennial redistricting after the 2020 census, making this move unusual. The potential for further changes to the congressional map reflects ongoing political strategies and electoral considerations within the state.
The discussions surrounding redistricting have raised questions about the implications for both parties. Texas has historically leaned Republican, but demographic shifts and changing voter sentiments have led to increased scrutiny of the state’s political landscape. Trump’s intervention and the White House’s involvement highlight the significance of Texas in the national political arena, particularly as the GOP seeks to maintain and expand its influence.
As the special session approaches, the focus will be on how Texas Republicans navigate the redistricting process and whether they can achieve the ambitious seat gains outlined by Trump. The outcome of this effort may have lasting effects on the political composition of the U.S. House and the broader dynamics leading into the upcoming midterms.
