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The plan has sparked a contentious battle with Democratic governors from Illinois, New York, and California vowing to return the favor by redrawing their own congressional maps. President Trump criticized Texas Democrats for fleeing to more liberal states to avoid votes on redistricting, noting that these states also practice gerrymandering.
“I notice they go to Illinois for safety, but that’s all gerrymandered,” he said. “California is gerrymandered too. We should have many more seats in Congress.”
The U.S. Constitution mandates that states redraw congressional boundaries every decade based on the census data. However, legislatures may choose to do so earlier if population changes warrant it. Some states, like California, have established independent commissions to draft their maps.
Trump’s rationale for mid-decade redistricting is rooted in his belief that his substantial victory margin in Texas justifies altering the map. He pointed out that despite winning about 36% of the vote in Massachusetts last year, all nine congressional representatives are Democrats.
“We should have a couple of Congresspeople from there, but we have none,” he said.
This story will be updated.
