Understanding Gerrymandering: Key Issues in Texas Redistricting

Gerrymandering is the process of drawing electoral district boundaries in a way that benefits one political party over others. It can affect how voters are represented in government and how much influence different communities have in elections. This practice often results in districts where election outcomes are largely predetermined, which can limit competition and reduce voter confidence in the political process.

Two common methods used in gerrymandering are known as "packing" and "cracking." Packing involves placing a large number of similar voters into one district, concentrating their voting power in a single area. Cracking spreads those voters across multiple districts to weaken their influence. Both approaches can significantly impact election results and long-term representation.

When district lines are manipulated for political gain, it can reduce transparency, limit accountability, and raise concerns about whether elected officials are responsive to the full range of people they serve.

Redistricting Developments in Texas

In August 2025, the Texas Legislature began advancing a redistricting proposal that would change the state’s congressional map before the next scheduled redistricting cycle. The proposed changes could shift up to five congressional seats from Democratic to Republican control ahead of the 2026 elections.

Because Republicans currently control both legislative chambers, Democratic lawmakers do not have enough votes to stop the proposal. In response, over 50 House Democrats left the state, traveling to locations including Illinois and New York, in order to break quorum. A quorum is the minimum number of lawmakers required for the legislature to conduct official business.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton responded by threatening civil penalties, including issuing arrest warrants, declaring the absent lawmakers’ seats vacant, and imposing daily fines. According to legal experts, the state constitution allows for the civil detention of absent lawmakers to restore quorum, but there is no criminal penalty for their actions, and the law cannot be enforced outside state lines.