The Texas Senate has passed a new congressional redistricting map that is expected to give Republicans as many as five additional seats in the U.S. House.
The plan is now on Governor Greg Abbott’s desk, where he is expected to sign it quickly.
Supporters say the map reflects population growth and ensures fair representation.
But Democratic leaders and civil-rights groups are blasting the changes, calling the map an unconstitutional gerrymander that dilutes the political power of minority communities.
Legal challenges are already being filed, setting up what could be a lengthy courtroom battle over how Texans are represented in Washington.