Largest Texas Newspaper Rebukes Greg Abbott Over Redistricting 'Power Grab' [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Aug 04, 2025 at 3:27 PM EDT


The Houston Chronicle, Texas' largest newspaper, is criticizing Governor Greg Abbott in an opinion piece for what it calls his "Republican power grab" regarding his state legislature's push to vote and approve GOP-backed redistricting maps that could have drastic effects on and in the aftermath of the 2026 midterm election.

Newsweek has reached out to Abbott's office via email for comment on Monday.

Why It Matters

Abbott had called a special session to address the flooding that killed 135 people last month in Texas Hill Country and the redistricting plan.

Tensions have escalated between the governor, Republicans and Texas Democrats as 51 Democratic lawmakers in the Legislature fled the state to Illinois on Sunday to prevent Republicans from moving forward with a vote due to lacking a quorum. Two-thirds of members within the 150-member chamber must be present to pass legislation.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/greg-abbott-texas-redistricting-gerrymandering-floods-2108753