A cadre of Democrats responded forcefully to news that Texas lawmakers had passed a new election map during their special session.
On Wednesday, Texas Republicans successfully forced through a new congressional map that eliminated four Democrat-held seats. The move was made ahead of the 2026 primary election, at the direction of President Donald Trump's Justice Department.
They were able to pass the maps after Texas Democrats returned from Illinois, a move that had prevented the state's special session from having a quorum.
The New York Times reported that the debate about the bill took more than eight hours. The final vote fell along party lines, 88-52. The Texas Senate is expected to vote on the maps on Thursday evening, and Gov. Greg Abbott could sign them into law as early as Friday, according to the NYT.
Democrats from across the country responded to the news on social media.
"It’s on, Texas," California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in a post on X.
"Game on," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X.
"See you in court, @GregAbbott_TX," Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) posted on X.
"Disgraceful," Ray Reed, a state Democratic lawmaker in Missouri, posted on X.
"The Texas GOP knows it can’t win unless they cheat," the Texas Aggie Democrats posted on X. "Until Republicans are ready to enact a national partisan gerrymandering ban, we’re calling on Democratic leaders across the country to fight fire with fire."
"This is unlawful, blatant racist systemic voter suppression in real time," Rep. Ayana Pressley (D-MA) posted on X. "Sending solidarity to the Texas lawmakers getting into good trouble to try to protect our democracy. This isn’t over."
"California WILL respond, and we WILL defend our democracy!" Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) wrote on X.