Republicans move to tighten grip on Texas after redistricting map approved

Redrawn map, expected to strengthen Republican numbers, faces final negotiations before being sent to Governor Greg Abbott

Republicans have moved to tighten their grip on power in Texas after a late-night vote in the state's legislature approved an early sign-off to new congressional boundaries at the expense of communities of color.

The Republican-led effort will give the party powers over redrawn US House maps and shore up its eroding dominance in Texas, whose demographics are becoming less white in a shift that most experts see as favoring Democrats.