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On Politics

Tue Aug 5 2025

Rebecca Morin | Newsletter Writer

@RebeccaMorin_

Hello! Rebecca Morin here. What do you think of the redistricting fight in Texas? Let me know!

What Texas' gerrymandering clash means

More than 50 Democrats in Texas left the state, and it appears as if they won't be returning anytime soon. Democratic state lawmakers are still attempting to delay efforts from Republicans who are trying to redraw Texas' 38 congressional districts, which could help Republicans pick up as many as five seats in the House of Representatives. Republicans hold a narrow 220-212 majority in the House of Representatives and the president's political operatives are fearing a blue wave in next year's midterms. The plan in Texas has ignited a nasty and partisan tug-of-war with Democratic governors in Illinois, New York and California pledging to return the favor and redraw their congressional maps to add more Democratic districts.

Trump defends Texas' plan: Trump said Republicans are "entitled" to more congressional seats in Texas, noting that he won the state in the 2024 presidential election. The president also accused Democratic-leaning states of also using gerrymandering to tilt the scales in their party's favor. See what Trump said about the plan.

Democratic govs join in the fight: Pointing to Texas' efforts to draw the congressional map, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker accused Trump and Republicans of trying to cheat American democracy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Pritzker, a possible presidential contender, said Democratic governors cannot ignore Trump's aggressive steps and said "we've all got to stand up and do the right thing." How Pritzker wants Democrats to fight back.

It's not just Texas: The fight over Congress – and redistricting – will continue in Ohio later this month. Republicans hold a supermajority in the state legislature, and GOP operatives believe they can pick up a couple of seats in the Buckeye State. Key takeaways from Texas' redistricting fight.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks in front of Democratic members of Congress and Texas House Democrats during a news conference at IBEW Local Union 701 on Aug. 4 in Warrenville, Illinois.

KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, AFP via Getty Images

A politics pit stop

•	Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro put under house arrest.
•	Your state's disaster aid could hinge on this country.
•	American Eagle stock rises after Trump praises Sydney Sweeney ad.
•	Poll finds Americans view Pope Leo XIV more favorably than Trump.
•	Trump to unveil 2028 LA Olympics task force during ceremony today.

An early sign of economic strain

Cracks within the U.S. labor market are starting to emerge as the unemployment rate among Black Americans has started to rise. The unemployment rate for Black Americans hit 7.2% in July, up from 6.3% a year ago and 6.8% the month prior, according to the most recent jobs report from the Labor Department. Economists say the surge in unemployment for Black people this year could be a troubling sign for the economy at large, since this segment is often the first hit by economic downturns. Why the unemployment rate among Black workers is rising.

A third Trump term?

"Probably not." At least that's what Trump said when asked on Tuesday morning on CNBC whether he would "run again." It was the president's firmest indication yet that he is not looking to change or bypass the Constitutional limit set out in the 22nd Amendment in order to compete for president in 2028. The Constitution restricts presidents to two terms in office. Trump is on his second, non-consecutive term, having previously led the nation from 2017 to 2021. Still, in the same CNBC interview, Trump said he'd like to run for president again.