Republicans in Texas currently hold 25 of the state’s 38 seats, and the new map ups the total they could win to 30. All of those new 30 seats were won by Trump in November by at least 10 percentage points, leading to conservative optimism they can hold them even in what’s likely to be a tough midterm environment for the party.

Democrats in and out of the state are exploring options to block or counter Republicans' controversial redistricting plan. Here is why the issue is so hot.

As Texas, under pressure from President Trump, considers redrawing congressional lines to boost GOP numbers in Congress, California considers responding by boosting the state's Democratic districts.