With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
See how new voting maps in Texas and California shift the political landscape
Political terrain may be shifting as Texas and California square off in a redistricting battle.
(
Jeff Kowalsky
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
The major parties' redistricting battle escalated this week, with lawmakers in the country's two most populous states each taking a notable step toward a new congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
At President Donald Trump's urging, Republican legislators in Texas were set to give final approval on Friday to lines that they hope will move five U.S. House seats to the GOP.
California Democrats are acting in response, aiming to pick up five seats of their own. On Thursday they OK'd a ballot measure to ask their state's voters to allow new congressional districts.
So how exactly would the districts shift? The graphics below compare the 2024 presidential results under the current district lines to what the results would have been under the proposed new maps. Of course, a Democrat can win a U.S. House seat in a Trump-won district, and vice versa, but the graphics offer a glimpse of the shifting political terrain.
Sponsored message
-
Families can get notified when services reach their area and whether they qualify. -
Down south, a group of bagel makers is quietly generating excitement in the bagel-verse. -
The spending plan would gut prevention, outreach and supportive services to maintain temporary shelter beds and absorb rate increases previously covered by other funding sources.
Copyright 2025 NPR
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
