Trump-backed Texas redistricting gamble fails as Dems hold 4 of 5 seats

Trump-backed Texas redistricting gamble fails as Dems hold 4 of 5 seats.

Key points

• In 2025, Texas Republicans, pressed by President Donald Trump, redrew the state's congressional map before the midterms to flip five Democratic-held districts to GOP control.
• Another district put to the test is the 9th Congressional District, where Democrat Leticia Gutierrez leads Republican Alex Mealer, but the race hasn't been called yet.
• In South Texas, The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ have called the races for Democratic Reps.
• USA TODAY Vice President of News Jamie Stockwell, a born-and-raised Texan, puts the historic night for Democrats in perspective.
• In Texas' 35th, that race has been pressed Bexar County sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia.

Trump-backed Texas redistricting gamble fails as Dems hold 4 of 5 seats. Mateo Rosiles USA TODAY NETWORK. Democrats win Texas Senate and governor races.

Nevertheless, on Nov. 3, the new maps and districts were put to the test, and the GOP's bet largely failed as the party is on course to win only one of the five targeted seats.

This came after Republicans lost one of Texas' U.S. Senate seats, the governor's seat, and other statewide races to Democrats this election cycle.

Here's a look at the redrawn districts' outcomes and which other seats flipped. Gutierrez leads Texas' 9th District as Mealer concedes.

While the race hasn't been called yet, unofficial results as of 8 a.m. CT on Wednesday, Nov. 4, show Republican Jace Yarbrough ahead of Democrat Dan Barrios in the 32nd Congressional District in North Texas.

Nevertheless, Mealer posted on social media Wednesday morning, conceding the race to Gutierrez.

In South Texas, The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ have called the races for Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar in the 28th and Vicente Gonzalez in the 34th.

In Texas' 35th, that race has been pressed Bexar County sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia. This person defeated Republican Carlos De La Cruz, the brother of U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz. Democrat Bobby Pulido wins key South Texas congressional race.

Monica additionally lost her reelection bid in Texas' 15th to Democratic Tejano musician Bobby Pulido – flipping a key seat blue in South Texas – according to race calls from The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ.

In the race for the open Texas' 23rd Congressional District seat, Democrat Katy Padilla Stout was able to claim victory over Republican candidate Brandon Herrera – who faced scrutiny over past controversial comments on women and Nazis.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas, based in Austin. Obtained a news tip for him? Email him at [email protected]. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, trump-backed Texas redistricting gamble fails as Dems hold 4 of 5 seats is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.