Former President Donald Trump is celebrating what he’s calling a “big win” in Texas—and he says it’s just the beginning.
On Wednesday, the Republican-controlled Texas House approved a controversial new set of congressional maps expected to give the GOP five additional seats. The bill passed on an 88-52 party-line vote, setting the stage for one of the most consequential redistricting battles in recent memory.
Trump took to Truth Social to hail the move as a massive victory for conservatives—and a blueprint for the future.
“BIG WIN” for Texas, Trump Says
“Big WIN for the Great State of Texas!!! Everything Passed, on our way to FIVE more Congressional seats and saving your Rights, your Freedoms, and your Country, itself. Texas never lets us down,” Trump wrote.
In a follow-up post, he made an even bolder prediction:
“Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same thing. More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy, and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT. It means Happiness and Peace.”
The 100-Seat Promise
Trump also laid out his long-term strategy to secure a Republican supermajority in the House, insisting that two key reforms—eliminating mail-in voting and requiring paper ballots—could change the game completely.
“If we do these TWO things, we will pick up 100 more seats, and the CROOKED game of politics is over. God Bless America!!!” he wrote.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott echoed Trump’s optimism, calling the new maps the “One Big Beautiful Map” and claiming they would cement Republican power for years to come.
Democrats Stage a Last-Ditch Fight
The approval didn’t come without drama. In early August, 57 Democratic lawmakers fled Texas, relocating to Illinois and New York in a bid to deny the House a quorum and block the vote.
Republicans responded aggressively, directing state troopers to monitor Democratic members, forcing their eventual return under threat of arrest.
Some Democrats reported being shadowed by law enforcement—even during personal errands like school drop-offs.
Among the most defiant was Rep. Nicole Collier, who refused to sign monitoring paperwork and stayed inside the Capitol for over 30 hours. Her protest drew national headlines, especially after a bizarre viral moment where she joined a Zoom call from a Capitol bathroom—before abruptly leaving, saying she’d been warned she was committing a felony.
Collier later filed a lawsuit alleging “illegal restraint by the government.”
Democrats Cry Foul, Republicans Double Down
Democrats argue the maps disenfranchise minority voters and promised to fight in court under the Voting Rights Act.
“In a democracy, people choose their representatives. This bill flips that on its head,” said Rep. Chris Turner.
Rep. John Bucy went even further:
“This is Donald Trump’s map. It manufactures five more Republican seats in Congress because Trump knows voters are rejecting his agenda.”
Republicans aren’t hiding their intent. State Rep. Todd Hunter, who authored the measure, said bluntly:
“The goal is straightforward: improve Republican political performance.”
What’s Next? California Strikes Back
Texas’ move has already triggered Democratic retaliation in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a plan to redraw lines in a way that could eliminate five GOP seats—effectively neutralizing Texas’ gains.
Former President Barack Obama called it a “smart approach,” but because California usually relies on a nonpartisan commission, it will likely require a special election in November.
Meanwhile, Republicans in Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri are moving forward with similar plans, while Democrats eye Maryland and New York.
The Bigger Picture
Both parties know the stakes couldn’t be higher. Republicans currently hold a three-seat majority in the U.S. House, and with midterms looming, redistricting could shape the balance of power for the next decade.
For Trump, this is about more than just maps—it’s about setting the stage for a historic Republican takeover. And if his prediction comes true, 2026 could be the year the GOP rewrites the political rulebook.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
