House Minority Leader Jeffries Claims GOP Blundered in Texas, Predicts Democrats Will Retain Five Seats

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered a sharp rebuke of Republican redistricting efforts in Texas on Monday, claiming the GOP has “done eff’d up” and predicting they will fall significantly short of their goal to flip five congressional seats in the state.

During a news conference at the U.S. Capitol, Jeffries was asked about recent Democratic victories in traditionally Republican territories, including a state senate race where Democrat Taylor Rehmet defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss in a Fort Worth-area district that former President Donald Trump carried in 2020.

“Yes, Republicans done eff’d up in Texas, and they know it,” Jeffries responded bluntly. “We knew it months ago, and it’s because of a variety of reasons.”

The Democratic leader argued that Republicans had overreached in their redistricting strategy, creating a political environment that has backfired on them. According to Jeffries, the GOP mistakenly believed they could target Democratic seats without facing consequences.

“It remains to be seen what happens in Texas, but I can guarantee you they won’t win five seats,” Jeffries said confidently. “They’re going to struggle to win three based on 2024 performance alone.”

This political battle in Texas represents a critical front in the nationwide struggle for control of the House of Representatives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Similar redistricting conflicts are playing out in Virginia, North Carolina, and California, with both parties engaged in aggressive tactics to secure advantageous district boundaries.

Jeffries highlighted that Democrats have mounted an effective counteroffensive to Republican redistricting efforts, particularly in California. He pointed to the state’s Proposition 50, a ballot measure that reformed redistricting rules and strengthened Democratic chances across multiple congressional districts.

“California responded decisively, and we will pick up five seats as a result of Prop. 50,” Jeffries stated.

The Democratic victory in Texas that prompted Jeffries’ comments came Saturday when Taylor Rehmet, a labor union leader and Air Force veteran, captured a state senate seat long held by Republicans. Jeffries characterized Rehmet’s win as “a shellacking for Republicans in Texas that even caught Ron DeSantis’ attention,” referring to Florida’s Republican governor.

“They can’t ignore it,” Jeffries added. “Republicans have been losing elections, and Democrats have been winning elections since January of last year.”

The redistricting process, which occurs after each decennial census, allows state legislatures to redraw congressional district boundaries. This process has become increasingly contentious as both parties seek to create maps that favor their candidates, often leading to legal challenges and allegations of gerrymandering.

Texas has been a particular focus in this redistricting cycle due to its significant population growth, which added two congressional seats to the state following the 2020 census. Republican-controlled legislatures in Texas and other states have aggressively pursued redistricting strategies aimed at maximizing their party’s representation.

However, Democrats have responded with their own redistricting initiatives in states where they hold power, such as California and New York. This tit-for-tat approach has intensified the partisan nature of the redistricting process nationwide.

Political analysts note that these redistricting battles could ultimately determine control of the House in 2026, as even small shifts in a handful of districts might tip the balance of power. With Republicans currently holding a narrow majority in the House, both parties view the redistricting process as crucial to their future electoral prospects.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, these redistricting conflicts are likely to continue through legal challenges and political maneuvering, with both parties seeking every possible advantage in the struggle for congressional control.