Beto O’Rourke calls for Democrats to match GOP redistricting efforts in Texas and California, sparking debate over partisan map-drawing.

O’Rourke Urges Democrats to Respond Forcefully to GOP Maps

As Texas Republicans launch a major effort to redraw congressional districts and secure a larger majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke is urging Democrats to adopt equally aggressive tactics in the nationwide redistricting battle. Speaking with Neera Tanden at the Center for American Progress, O’Rourke said Democrats must “meet fire with fire,” referencing both Texas and California’s controversial redistricting strategies as critical to the future of U.S. democracy.

O’Rourke justified calls for a more assertive Democratic approach by citing what he called the “authoritarian” nature of the current presidency and the high stakes involved for the republic. “We lose it, you will never, ever get it back,” O’Rourke warned. He encouraged Democrats not to simply react to Republican moves but to take the offensive, even using strong language to emphasize the urgency: “Why the f--k are we responding and reacting to the other side instead of taking the offense on these things?”

He criticized Democrats for prioritizing being “right” over securing power, warning that failing to fight back would further erode democracy in states like Texas. “A state that was already something less than democracy is about to descend even further,” he said, underscoring concerns about minority representation and partisan gerrymandering.

Republican Push for New Districts in Texas

Texas Republicans, led by Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, have initiated a special legislative session focused on redrawing the state’s 38 congressional districts. The stated aim is to address constitutional concerns from the Justice Department regarding minority-dominated districts, though Democrats argue the true goal is to dilute Democratic representation by shifting voters across districts. President Donald Trump has expressed open support for the effort, forecasting the creation of up to five new GOP-leaning seats through redistricting.

During a call with Texas’ Republican delegation, Trump set the tone for the session, saying, “Just a simple redrawing, we pick up five seats.” Democrats currently control only 12 Texas districts, with another blue-leaning seat vacant, heightening the stakes for both parties as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

The GOP plan involves relocating Democratic voters out of competitive districts and consolidating Republican majorities elsewhere. Critics like O’Rourke say the move is targeted at districts held by Black or Mexican-American Democrats, effectively allowing politicians to “choose their own voters.”

California Democrats Consider Countermeasures

In response, Democrats in California are contemplating their own aggressive strategy. Governor Gavin Newsom and state Democratic leaders have discussed mid-decade redistricting to increase their party’s congressional advantage, with the goal of gaining at least five additional seats. Though the state currently uses an independent commission to draw maps—a system designed to reduce partisanship—Newsom has floated the idea of a special legislative session or even repealing the commission via ballot measure to facilitate more favorable maps.

“Two can play this game,” Newsom declared, as California Democrats signaled their willingness to match GOP tactics. However, such plans face steep legal, legislative, and financial challenges, including potential court battles and the need for voter approval to overhaul the commission system.

Nationally, the debate has reignited long-standing tensions over partisan gerrymandering, with Democrats and Republicans alike accusing each other of undermining the integrity of congressional elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed aggressive pushback, calling it “the right thing to do.” With both parties escalating their efforts, the stage is set for protracted legal and political fights that will shape the composition of Congress and the balance of power for years to come.