Jeffries Slams Texas GOP Redistricting Plan, Calls It a Power Grab

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Thursday condemned a Republican-backed redistricting proposal that would eliminate five Democratic congressional seats in Texas, calling it a blatant attempt to rig elections in favor of the GOP. Standing alongside Democratic lawmakers in Austin, Jeffries denounced the move as undemocratic and warned that “all options” are on the table to challenge it. 

“Republican politicians want to choose their voters. That is wrong,” he said, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. “It will undermine the quality of life of the people of this great state.”

The proposed redistricting map, introduced by Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), would significantly alter congressional boundaries across Texas. According to election data analysis, the new configuration would shift one Democratic seat each from Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and the Austin/San Antonio corridor to Republican control. 

Jeffries criticized Texas Republicans for advancing redistricting during a special legislative session originally called to address the deadly July 4th floods that claimed 137 lives. “This special session should be about relief, recovery and resiliency,” he said. “Instead, Donald Trump has ordered Greg Abbott and compliant Texas Republicans to rig the congressional map.” 

While Jeffries stopped short of endorsing specific tactics, such as the dramatic walkouts previously used by Texas Democrats, he affirmed that nothing is off the table. “It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment,” he said. “Texas Democrats are going to be the ones to decide [how to respond], and we will be there to support them politically, governmentally, and in court.” 

But for Jeffries and his allies, the fight in Texas has just begun. “This fight is not over,” he said. “It’s just beginning. The people of Texas must show up, stand up, and speak out for free and fair elections.”

The redistricting push comes after President Trump urged Texas lawmakers to flip five Democratic seats to help ensure a Republican majority in the 2026 midterms. With control of Congress at stake, the controversy has sparked calls for retaliatory redistricting in blue states like California.