The redistricting war is heating up as both parties look to gain ground in the race for the House next year.

Texas Republicans are moving forward this week with redrawing district lines, while Republicans in other states like Missouri could follow suit. Democrats from California to New Jersey have taken notice, ramping up calls to redraw their maps in an effort to blunt the GOP’s efforts.

The redistricting tit-for-tat threatens to roil the midterms, sowing uncertainty in an election that will reshape the remainder of President Trump’s term.

"It's our belief that we can't fight with one hand behind our backs,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) told reporters this week.

“We can't let Texas go unanswered,” Aguilar said. “And it's our belief that we should do whatever we can to protect democracy.”

Texas lawmakers are convening in Austin as a part of a special session Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called to address 18 issues, redistricting being one of the most closely watched items. Some of the first hearings on redistricting are scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has already signaled his state is considering several avenues for potentially redrawing their maps in response, though Democrats would need........

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