Facing opposition from Democrats who fled the state to stall the vote, Republicans hope the new maps will lead to more seats in Congress.

T exas House lawmakers approved a new gerrymandered map Wednesday that would likely give Republicans five additional congressional seats, at President Donald Trump’s urging, overcoming a protest by Democrats and teeing up a battle with Democratic-led states to even the scales ahead of next year’s midterms.

Texas GOP approves Trump-backed map to flip five House seats. Democrats warn of voter dilution and plan legal challenges