Texas Power Play: CNN Slams Democrats for Falling Behind as GOP Tightens Grip on House

Texas Map War Heats Up: CNN Analyst Says Democrats Are Getting Crushed in GOP Power Play

August 1, 2025—Texas
The political battleground in Texas just turned fierce—and one of CNN’s top data minds is calling out Democrats for getting outmaneuvered in what’s shaping up to be a redistricting showdown with national consequences.

CNN’s Harry Enten didn’t hold back when analyzing Texas Republicans’ bold new redistricting proposal, which would redraw the state’s congressional map to favor the GOP in five additional districts. “They’re playing hardball,” Enten said Thursday on air. “Meanwhile, Democrats? Honestly, it’s like they’re still in Little League.”

Enten’s remarks come as former President Donald Trump pushes hard for Texas to deliver the five new Republican-leaning seats his party needs to lock down control of the House in 2026. With the GOP holding only a razor-thin majority after the 2024 elections, these potential pickups in Texas could tip the balance.

The new map, revealed by Texas Republicans on Wednesday, would shift several key areas—especially heavily populated cities like Austin—into oddly stretched districts favoring the GOP. One proposed district would link parts of liberal Austin to oil-rich Odessa, more than 300 miles away, raising eyebrows and accusations of aggressive gerrymandering.

Enten’s analysis paints a clear picture: Under the current district lines, Trump carried 25 of Texas’ 38 districts by at least 10 points. What is the new proposal? That number jumps to 30.

“That’s a five-seat swing,” Enten said. “And in a game where Republicans only need a couple seats to dominate the House, that’s everything.”

Adding more fuel to the fire is Trump’s growing support among Latino voters in Texas. According to Enten, Trump lost Latino voters to Biden by 17 points in 2020. But in 2024? He won them by 10.

“That’s nearly a 30-point turnaround,” Enten emphasized. “It’s no wonder Republicans are charging full steam ahead.”

While the GOP gears up to push the map through during a special legislative session called by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, Democrats are being criticized for not mounting a strong counterattack.

“This isn’t just about Texas,” Enten warned. “This could be the difference between Republicans keeping or losing the House. And right now, they’re running the field while Democrats are still lacing up their cleats.”

As the redistricting battle intensifies, eyes across the country are now locked on the Lone Star State. Will Democrats rise to the challenge—or continue to fall behind?