Democratic members slammed the process, questioning why hearings were happening before maps were available for review. Chair Cody Vasut said follow-up public hearings will be scheduled once maps are filed.

Martin is seeking to replace the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died on March 5, as the Texas’ 18th Congressional District representative.

The majority of House Republicans — 53 out of 87 members — occupy a middle ground between these two ideological poles, ranging from Brooks Landgraf of Odessa to Valoree Swanson of Spring.

With the Texas Legislature's special session now underway, discussions will soon begin over one of the most controversial agenda items. The Texas House of Representatives' Select Committee on Redistricting will hold its first hearing on the potential Congressional redistricting of the state next Monday in Arlington.

The bills would carry a $5,000 fine for a first-time violation and comes as momentum for such restrictions has increased in the state and nationally.

With an extraordinary call by President Donald Trump to push Texas lawmakers to redraw congressional maps in favor of Republicans, Governor JB Pritzker said he’ll lead the way to do the same in Illinois for Democrats if need be. On Friday, Pritzker hosted a delegation from Texas to strategize.

Warning of a “five-alarm fire for democracy,” Gov. Gavin Newsom Friday suggested the possibility of California redrawing its congressional districts in response to actions in Texas.

Keller Mayor Armin Mizani’s call for his city to partner with ICE drops a live-wire national issue into local politics. In a race for

Texas’ elected officials, including Governor Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the state House speaker, Dustin Burrows, can fall in line with the president or not; they can place party loyalty above Texas voters or do the right thing. It is their choice — they don’t have to be complicit.

Texas Republicans have been tasked by President Donald Trump to create five new Republican congressional seats in an off-cycle redistricting effort.