by The Newsroom in Texas | ByBlaise Gainey
In protest of President Trump and the Texas Legislature’s proposal to redistrict the state’s congressional districts in order to give Republicans a leg up in the 2026 midterm elections, over 5,000 protesters flocked to Austin’s Capitol on Saturday.
Republicans are expected to gain at least five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives as a result of the new map, which caused Texas House Democrats to break the quorum in less than two weeks.
Earlier this month, during the first extraordinary session of the Legislature, more than fifty House Democrats fled the state to stop the new map from being passed. They indicated their intention to take part in the state’s second special session, which started on Friday, and specified their requirements for returning to the chamber on Thursday.
Austin Democrat Congressman Greg Casar commended the lawmakers’ conduct during Saturday’s demonstration.
Casar told an applauding audience that these maps would have been passed weeks ago if Trump and Abbott had their way. Instead of trying to win the election, Trump is planning to rig it.
The congressman was referring to the White House’s persistent advocacy for redistricting in Republican-led states like Florida and Ohio. Democratic-led states have indicated that they plan to follow suit. Governor Gavin Newsom of California has taken the initiative: Golden State unveiled its own recently suggested maps.Friday.At the Texas Capitol in Austin on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Beto O. Rourke, a Democrat from Texas, addresses thousands of people attending the Fight The Trump Takeover Rally in protest of President Trump and Governor Abbott’s proposed redistricting.
Former El Paso U.S. Representative Beto O. Rourke told the gathering at the event on Saturday that Republicans are pushing for gerrymandering in a number of states out of fear of reprisals.
According to O. Rourke, there will be a check on their lawlessness, accountability for their crimes, and corruption if they are unable to hold onto their hold on power in the [U.S.] House of Representatives.
In the US House, that accountability might take the form of Trump’s impeachment. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that he sees a very real threat if Democrats seize control of the house following the 2026 midterm elections.
But for the time being, that is a long way off. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) informed demonstrators that Democrats’ first objective is to halt the current situation. However, he also agreed that preparation is essential.
What should we do if, in spite of our unwavering opposition, his redistricting bill is signed into law next week, as some believe it will? In addition to boo, Doggett stated.
Even in districts that lean Republican, Doggett stated that he thinks the greatest thing Democrats can do is to cast ballots in 2026. He explained to the audience that Democrats would gain if Trump did not run for reelection.
Doggett declared, “He will not be on the ballot to draw the MAGA vote.” Additionally, Biden received 49% against Trump in the redrawn district that is closest to the one in which we currently stand, where Hispanics hold a sizable majority.
Expected to return to Austin for the second special session, Texas House Democrats will lack the numbers necessary to stop Republicans from pushing for the adoption of new congressional boundaries.
