Texas House Democrats on Wednesday plan to offer an amendment that would block a Republican redistricting effort until the complete release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Why it matters: The Democratic effort,

Texas' Republican-led legislature is expected to approve new congressional maps that add five new House seats that the GOP could win

As state leaders threaten a redraw of their maps, Republicans may have an advantage over their Democratic counterparts due to local laws impeding partisan gerrymandering attempts.

The redistricting push in Calfornia to counter Republicans in Texas is Gov. Gavin Newsom’s most direct challenge yet to President Donald Trump and the national political discourse. Newsom has also

Democrats have struggled to find effective ways to oppose President Donald Trump, and even some Democratic voters describe the party as weak.

Texas Democrats plan to end their walkout over redistricting, returning only if Gov. Abbott concludes the special session, amid ongoing tensions surrounding district redraws.

The gambit has triggered a national redistricting war, with governors of both parties threatening to initiate similar efforts in other states.

"Voters decided to give redistricting powers to the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission and take it away from politicians drawing their own districts. The gerrymandered maps are exactly why voters don't trust Sacramento politicians.