Multiple demonstrations scheduled nationwide today to voice opposition against Trump-supported redistricting proposals
On Saturday, demonstrations were held in over 280 locations across 34 states, as part of the "Stop the Trump Takeover" protests, also known as "Fight the Trump Takeover." These nationwide demonstrations aimed to oppose former President Donald Trump's efforts to influence Republican-controlled state legislatures to redraw congressional maps in ways that favor GOP candidates in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Locations and Focus
The scope of these protests was broad, with major rallies taking place in cities such as Austin (Texas), New York City, Washington D.C., and Raleigh (North Carolina), among others.
Texas
In Texas, the anchor event focused on opposing GOP-led mid-decade redistricting pushed by Trump and Governor Greg Abbott, which breaks with historical norms and independent expert analysis suggests will heavily favor Republicans. The new congressional map, backed by President Donald Trump, could net Republicans five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Washington D.C.
In Washington D.C., the protests additionally targeted Trump's federal takeover efforts, highlighting resistance to federal intervention in local policing. This includes legal action, with the D.C. Attorney General suing to prevent Trump's appointment of an emergency police commissioner, and public demonstrations criticizing what local leaders describe as an authoritarian overreach. The city's mayor and residents have framed the federal takeover as an affront to local governance and civil liberties, leading to significant street protests and arrests.
Other Cities
While coverage highlights Texas and D.C. as focal points, other cities like New York City and Raleigh have also hosted events aligned with the nationwide movement to stop what is perceived as an undemocratic consolidation of power by Trump and his allies in state governments.
Support and Participation
Several nonprofits and other organizations are supporting the effort, including Planned Parenthood, the Working Families Party, and Human Rights Campaign. The Democratic National Committee is also helping to organize events.
The largest rally took place in Austin, Texas, with over 1,000 people expected to attend. Organizers of the events emphasize a commitment to nonviolence at all events. Notable speakers at the rally in Texas include former Congressman Beto O'Rourke, United Farm Workers cofounder Dolores Huerta, Democratic US Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, and other speakers, according to a news release from the Texas for All Coalition. Drag queen Brigitte Bandit and singer Gina Chavez are also expected to perform at the rally in Texas.
Events and rallies are scheduled in dozens of other states, both in Democratic strongholds and Republican-majority states. Republican leaders in other states, including Missouri, Florida, and Ohio, have proposed changing their congressional maps ahead of next year's midterms.
Previous Protests
The demonstrations follow a string of other protests organized since Trump took office for the second time in January, including the "No Kings" protests in June and demonstrations against the president's deportation campaign in July.
Future Implications
The fight extends far past Texas and is about the future of democracy, according to Drucilla Tigner, the executive director of statewide coalition Texas For All. The protests collectively aim to uphold electoral fairness and oppose what demonstrators see as attempts to rig political power at multiple government levels ahead of key elections.
Us, as participants in these nationwide protests, are voicing our concerns about both the general news of former President Trump's influence in Republican-controlled state legislatures and his politics, specifically his efforts to redraw congressional maps and his federal takeover efforts. In the future, we aim to uphold electoral fairness and oppose any attempts to rig political power at various government levels, as demonstrated in our recent rallies in cities such as Austin, Texas, and Washington D.C.
