Texas Governor Greg Abbott is warning that the Lone Star State could eliminate up to 10 Democratic congressional districts if California moves forward with plans to redraw its House map. Abbott made the comments Monday during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, framing it as a response to what he calls gerrymandering by “big blue states” like California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts.

“Look at these states—they’ve already redrawn their maps to favor one party,” Abbott said. “And know this: if California tries to gerrymander, Texas has the ability to eliminate 10 Democrats in our state.”

Currently, Texas is represented by 25 Republicans and 12 Democrats, with one seat vacant following the death of Representative Sylvester Turner in March. Republicans are reportedly eyeing five potential pickup opportunities in the upcoming redistricting cycle, but their efforts have been slowed as Texas Democrats have fled the state to block a legislative quorum, temporarily halting new congressional maps from being passed.

Meanwhile, California and other blue states are signaling their own moves. Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced plans for a special session in November to approve a new House map, aiming to counter potential GOP gains in Texas. New York and Illinois are also reportedly exploring their own redistricting strategies, while Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and states like Missouri and Indiana may also revisit their congressional boundaries.

The escalating situation highlights a growing redistricting arms race across the country, as both parties seek to secure an advantage in Congress ahead of the next election cycle.

We will continue to track these developments in Texas and across the nation as lawmakers prepare to redraw political maps that could shape the future of congressional representation.