Demonstrators protest Trump-backed redistricting plans at over 200 events across the country

Aug 19, 2025 News

People take part in a “Fight the Trump Takeover” rally in Wilton Manors, Florida, on Saturday. Giorgio Viera/AFP/Getty Images

(CNN) At parks, coffee shops, churches and government buildings around the country, hundreds of groups are gathering today with a simple message: “Stop the Trump takeover.”

The rallies are a bid to combat Republican-led plans to redraw congressional maps. The main event will take place in Texas, where a new congressional map backed by President Donald Trump that could net Republicans five additional seats in the 2026 midterm elections inspired the state’s Democratic lawmakers to flee the state – preventing the quorum needed to vote.

“Trump is terrified of the American people,” said the Texas for All Coalition, which is helping organize the events, in a news release. “He knows he can’t win on his ideas, so he’s trying to take Congress by hook or by crook – and he’s doing it by silencing the voices of communities of color. We’re not going to let that happen.”

Organizers emphasiSed “a commitment to nonviolence” at all events in event page descriptions.

Over 200 events are planned in 34 states, according to the event’s official website. The Democratic National Committee is helping organize events, it announced in a news release.

“From coast to coast, people will be showing up at their statehouses, city halls, and community spaces to make it clear – we see what Trump is doing, and we won’t stand for it,” said the DNC.

A swath of nonprofits and other organizations are also supporting the effort, including Planned Parenthood, the Working Families Party and Human Rights Campaign.

Trump described the proposed Texas congressional map as a “very simple redrawing” at the White House. “We pick up five seats,” he added.

But it doesn’t end with Texas. Republican leaders in other states, too, have proposed changing their congressional maps ahead of next year’s midterms.

The White House is pushing Missouri legislators to consider a special session to redraw maps. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has floated the idea of changing his state’s maps, and has said he thinks the Trump administration should give the state another seat. In Ohio, maps must be redrawn due to a quirk of state law – which may make the state’s delegation even more Republican and carve up two Democratic seats, according to a report in June from CNN’s Fredreka Schouten.

Democratic lawmakers have announced their own plans to fight back, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who kicked off his own redistricting push on Thursday.

Austin, Texas, rally

Today’s largest protest took place at the state’s Capitol in Austin, Texas. Over 1,000 people RSVPed for the event.

“Texas is being used as a testing ground for extremist policies and partisan games that don’t reflect our values,” reads the event page. “Thousands of Texans have shown up against the racially gerrymandered congressional map lawmakers are trying to force through in order to weaken the voting power of communities of color.”

Demonstrators filled the area outside the Capitol, waving signs with messages including “Abbott’s letting Trump take over Texas,” “Put Texans first,” and “Compassion over cruelty.” Organizers led chants of “Show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like” and “Sí se puede” – the motto of the United Farm Workers, which translates to “Yes, you can.”

The demonstration, which began Saturday morning, included a performance from drag queen Brigitte Bandit and speeches from former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, United Farm Workers cofounder Dolores Huerta, Democratic US Rep. Greg Casar and Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, as well as local activists.

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