The Texas House of Representatives approved a Republican-backed congressional redistricting map on Wednesday, following a temporary delay caused by a Democratic walkout.
The map is designed to create five additional GOP-leaning U.S. House seats, potentially bolstering Republican efforts to maintain their congressional majority ahead of upcoming elections.
The measure passed during a special legislative session and now heads to the Texas Senate for further consideration. If approved, it will require the signature of Republican Governor Greg Abbott to take effect.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the redistricting plan, calling it a partisan gerrymander that undermines fair representation. Republicans defended the proposal, citing their legislative majority and legal authority to redraw district lines.