Trump is also actively involved in recruitment efforts and intervening early with endorsements to head off messy GOP primary fights in the House and Senate, which could soak up money and energy ahead of general elections. In past cycles, Republicans botched some races by nominating contentious candidates backed by Trump that lost winnable races.

The escalating political fight over the Texas congressional map is spreading across other states across the country, triggering an unprecedented mid-decade redistricting arms race with the balance of power in Washington at stake.