A Republican bid to approve new congressional maps in Texas cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday as the state House of Representatives advanced the legislation in a procedural vote. The new maps, which would create five new GOP districts to “enhance” Republican performance in the 2026 midterm elections,

The Texas House of Representatives gaveled back into session Wednesday morning with the controversial proposal to redraw congressional maps up for a vote after Democrats fled the state to protest the earlier attempt to bring the bill to the floor.

After weeks of delays, Texas Republicans who control the state House are slated to begin the process for their controversial redistricting plan.