As lawmakers in Austin inch closer to a Special Session of the Texas Legislature, President Donald Trump is saying exactly how many republican seats he wants to pick up when it comes to redistricting.
President Trump was asked about the redistricting process at the White House Tuesday.
“Five, I think we get five,” Trump said outside the White House while speaking to reporters. “And I think there will be some other states.”
Governor Greg Abbott listed redistricting as an agenda item for the upcoming Special Session after the Justice Department named four districts, including one in Fort Worth, as unconstitutional.
Many democrats are blasting the move saying the Special Session should be focused on relief efforts following the Texas Hill Country flooding.
“Texas voters should decide who represents them, not politicians in backrooms in Austin or DC,” former Congressman Colin Allred said.
Allred has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn.
Flood response is included as a top agenda item during the Special Session.
President Donald Trump though stopped short of calling for the entire state’s congressional districts to be redrawn.
“No, no, just a very simple redrawing and we pick up five seats,” President Trump said.