This congressional redistricting fight in Texas could very well have a domino effect across the country. Governor Gregg Abbott is trying to make his friend President Trump happy by redrawing the maps to make it easier for Republicans to win five more seats in Congress and maintain control on Capitol Hill.

Republicans hold a 219-212 majority in the House, with four vacancies. New maps are typically drawn once a decade after the census is conducted. Many states, including Texas, give legislators the power to draw maps. California is among states that rely on an independent commission that is supposed to be nonpartisan.

As Gov. Gavin Newsom moves forward with his redistricting plan to counteract Texas’ push to eliminate five Democratic seats in Congress, Republican Rep. Ken Calvert decries the proposal that puts his seat at risk.

California lawmakers aim to release draft congressional maps on Friday that would give Democrats an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections. A spokesperson for California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas confirmed the news to KTLA 5 News.

Houston has the highest number of eligible census tracts in Texas, and its metro could account for 25% of the state’s opportunity zones.