Democrats promise retaliation against Texas redistricting plan

Democratic leaders across the country are warning Republicans that efforts to aggressively redraw congressional districts in Texas will face pushback from blue states.

(CNN)- Democratic leaders across the country are warning Republicans that efforts to aggressively redraw congressional districts in Texas will face pushback from blue states.

Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi cautioned, “Don’t mess with democracy… You can gerrymander the hell out of that map. Guess what? Two can play that game. Other states will do exactly the same thing and neutralize what you’re trying to do in Texas.”

The Texas redistricting plan could potentially give Republicans five additional seats in Congress ahead of the midterm elections. However, Democrats are vowing to fight back.

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin declared, “We’re going to fight fire with fire, and we’re going to do everything we can right now to stand up against this unconstitutional power grab.”

Several Democratic governors are considering their own redistricting efforts in response. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “I’m exploring with our leaders every option to redraw our state Congressional lines as soon as possible.” She added, “This is a war. The gloves are off, and I say bring it on.”

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom said if Texas Republicans proceed, he would seek to put a new congressional map before California voters in a November special election.

Some Republicans defend the Texas redistricting as a response to Democratic gerrymandering in other states.

Texas State House member Brian Harrison argued, “Quite frankly, California is more gerrymandered than the maps that we’re talking about today in Texas. All the other Democrat states are doing it. The state of Texas should as well.”