Democrats in the Legislature are spending their first week back from summer recess frantically redrawing the state’s congressional maps in response to redistricting efforts in Texas. They claim they are doing it to “protect democracy.”

High-stakes redistricting battles unfold in Texas and California as Republicans and Democrats push new congressional maps ahead of 2026 midterm elections.

Rep. David Valadao currently represents the district, winning in 2024 by about 7 points. However, the area was represented by former Rep. TJ Cox, D-Calif., from 2018 to 2020, when it was the 21st District. Valadao, who represented the area from the 2012 elections until the 2018 midterms, won back the seat in 2020.

Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to deny a quorum are making their way back, each on their own timeline, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

Democrats have struggled to find effective ways to oppose President Donald Trump, and even some Democratic voters describe the party as weak.

This congressional redistricting fight in Texas could very well have a domino effect across the country. Governor Gregg Abbott is trying to make his friend President Trump happy by redrawing the maps to make it easier for Republicans to win five more seats in Congress and maintain control on Capitol Hill.