The latest on the Texas gerrymander, briefly explained

This story appeared in The Logoff, a every day publication that helps you keep knowledgeable in regards to the Trump administration with out letting political information take over your life. Subscribe right here.Welcome to The Logoff: Texas is forging forward with its plan so as to add 5 Republican seats to its congressional map on the behest of President Donald Trump, in preparation for what’s more likely to be a troublesome midterm election for the social gathering subsequent 12 months.What simply occurred? On Wednesday, the Texas Home accepted a mid-decade redistricting plan that may much more aggressively gerrymander the state, creating 5 new congressional districts which might be more likely to elect Republicans. The plan nonetheless must move the state Senate earlier than Texas Gov. Greg Abbott can signal it into legislation, however is predicted to advance with out problem.Why is that this so irregular? Each decade, states redraw their congressional maps in accordance with the outcomes of the decennial US Census; Texas’s present effort would see the state break that sample and accomplish that 5 years early, and for clearly partisan functions.How are different states reacting? California Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened to advance a retaliatory redistricting measure in California if Texas strikes ahead with its plan, with the purpose of making 5 new Democratic seats. On Wednesday evening, he tweeted, “It’s on, Texas.” Nevertheless, the California course of can be tougher — voters will first have to approve an modification to the state structure.On the flip aspect, a lot of Republican states are following Texas’s lead in redistricting at Trump’s urging, together with Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, and presumably Florida. Collectively, they may assist the GOP web much more seats.What’s the massive image? Gerrymandering is inherently partisan (and executed by each events), however Texas’s plan represents a very aggressive, cynical energy play forward of the 2026 midterm elections (and one which’s unhealthy for Texans). Republicans’ present margin of management within the Home of Representatives is simply three seats, which suggests Texas alone may conceivably determine energy within the chamber — and with it, the course of Trump’s ultimate two years in workplace.And with that, it’s time to sign off…I’m prepared to concede that “Nightmare on the finish of the universe” doesn’t sound like a cheerful matter to log off with. However the newest episode from Vox’s Unexplainable podcast is definitely a captivating, not-at-all-nightmarish have a look at “the largest thriller ever”: understanding darkish vitality, which makes up one thing like 70 % of the universe and has implications for its eventual finish — if it exists in any respect. You’ll be able to take heed to the episode right here.I can be off tomorrow, however the publication can be in nice palms till Monday. Till then, have an amazing night and an amazing weekend!