State Rep. Todd Hunter, a Corpus Christi Republican, introduced the new map and was open about how the changes are meant to “increase Republican performance.”

Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Rowlett, stands near a press gaggle outside of the Texas House on Aug. 18, 2025. Texas Democrats left the state to fight redistricting at the national level, returning after two weeks to resume work in the state. Credit: Lorianne Willett for The Texas Tribune

After two weeks out of state, Democratic lawmakers returned to Austin, paving the way for Republicans to pass their proposed congressional map.