The push to redraw congressional maps in Texas is shifting the dynamics of the state’s 2026 Senate campaign

According to a copy of the letter posted on X by state Rep. Venton Jones, D-Dallas, the total fine is $9,345.25. A spokesman for the House Democratic Caucus confirmed that all of the Democrats who remained absent received the letter.

Texas state Rep. Gene Wu joined a private strategy call on Thursday with Democratic leaders from other GOP-led states that might also redraw their maps.

The Texas Senate expected to vote Friday to send the GOP majority's gerrymander to the governor's desk for approval.

Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the longest-serving member of Texas' congressional delegation, announced Thursday that he will retire instead of run for re-election if new congressional district boundaries aren't rejected in court after state Republicans carved up his Austin-area home district in new maps.

Other Democratic lawmakers have joined a colleague in staying at the Texas Capitol rather than accept around-the-clock police escorts meant to prevent them from blocking a vote on a Republican plan for redrawing congressional districts.

California’s Democratic-controlled legislature just approved a legislative package to advance a new redistricting plan. The move sets up a fall special election that will let voters weigh in on mid-decade redistricting in response to Texas Republicans’ gerrymandered maps.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed into law a contentious congressional redistricting plan, as state Democrats seek to counter a Trump-backed effort to add to the GOP's House majority by redrawing Texas' congressional maps.