By taking up new congressional maps pushed by President Trump first, Republicans hope to discourage Democrats from walking out of a special session before they vote on flood relief.

Texas Democrats showed up Monday for a special session but left open the possibility of walking out as a means to derail an unusual summer redrawing of U.S. House maps that would help protect Republicans’ slim majority in the 2026 elections.

Eric Flores enters race for Texas' 34th Congressional District, a battleground that President Donald Trump won by five points, challenging Democratic incumbent Vicente Gonzalez.

At Trump's urging, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has requested lawmakers potentially redraw the state's electoral map. Opponents warn it could backfire.

After the devastating July 4 floods in Central Texas, people across the state have called for more warning systems. While it’s still not entirely clear how the House will approach this problem, Brazos County Representative Paul Dyson told KBTX on Monday that a committee has been formed to tackle the issue.

With few options to prevent the Republican majority from passing a new congressional map, Democrats threatened to filibuster, delay hearings and even break quorum.

Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas' seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, while Democrats have 13 seats.

Why is this about the Texas Republicans' redistricting gambit a story with importance far beyond the Lone Star State? Several reasons, actually.