Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that addressing the redrawing of the state's congressional maps would be part of a special legislative session later this summer.

Abbot said in a news release that the session, scheduled to begin July 21, would address 18 policy items that the Legislature did not take up during its regular session, which concluded last month.

Included on the list of items is: “Legislation providing for a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice,” as Republicans seek to maintain their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections.

Republicans hold a slim 220-212 advantage in the House of Representatives.

And in Texas, they control 25 of the 38 congressional districts. Expanding the Republican majority, even by a few seats in Texas, could complicate Democrats’ ability to take control of the House in 2026.

The redistricting process typically happens at the start of each new decade when new census data becomes available.

Texas’ congressional maps, drawn in 2021, are still being fought in court, with a lawsuit alleging they discriminate against Black and Latino voters.

Democrats were quick to criticize the Texas Republicans’ plans.

“As Texans battle tragic and deadly flooding, Gov. Abbott and House Republicans are planning a mid-decade gerrymandering,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., posted on X ahead of Abbott’s formal announcement. "They should be modernizing emergency response, not manipulating maps."

Republicans control the governorship, the Legislature, and the Supreme Court in Texas, which could make it easier for them to approve and implement new electoral maps.