Bernie Sanders calls Texas redistricting push 'pathetic,' urges Dems to 'fight back'

Source: USA Today

Updated Aug. 10, 2025, 2:37 p.m. ET


WASHINGTON − Progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders in a new interview called the Republican redistricting push in Texas “pathetic” and urged Democrats to “fight back.”

Sanders’ remarks to CNN’s Dana Bash come as Texas Democrats fled the Lone Star State Aug. 3. The lawmakers are trying to block a redistricting effort that could give House Republicans up to five more seats in the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump has pushed for the changes.

“What Trump is trying to do, he understands that there is a good chance that Republicans will lose control over the House," Sanders said. "So what should Democrats do? Sit back and say, ‘Oh, gee, Trump is doing this terrible - we can't do anything. Let them win the election,’ when they shouldn't? So Democrats have got to fight back. I think it's pathetic, but I think that's what they've got to do,” Sanders said.

Democratic governors Gavin Newsom of California, Kathy Hochul of New York and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois have threatened to launch their own redistricting efforts that could give Democrats a boost, sparking a tit-for-tat.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/10/sanders-texas-redistricting-push/85599714007/