AUSTIN, Texas (KEYE) — The battle over Texas’ congressional map took center stage Monday, as both chambers of the Texas Legislature held separate hearings on a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump that could significantly shift the balance of power in Washington.

The Senate Redistricting Committee met at the Capitol to take virtual public testimony, while the House Redistricting Committee held an in-person hearing at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Both meetings are part of an ongoing special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott to redraw the state’s 38 congressional districts.

Democrats and activists argue the mid-decade redistricting effort is a political power grab, one that could eliminate several Democratic-held seats and tip the U.S. House further in Republicans’ favor.

Tensions were high inside the Senate hearing room in Austin, where Democrats condemned the mid-cycle push.

“This is a blatant, arrogant, conceited process that is being shoved down the throats of the citizens of Texas,” said Sen. Boris Miles, D-Houston.

Kevin Chance, a member of the public who testified Monday, echoed that sentiment.

“I’m angry because I have to tell you, the Senate Redistricting Committee, that Donald Trump is not your constituent — he didn’t vote for you,” Chance said. “You don’t answer to him. But you should answer to your constituents.”

The redistricting push comes after the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter stating that some of Texas’ current maps may violate federal law. But critics say the Republican-led Legislature is using that letter as political cover.

Outside the Legislature, national Democratic groups are taking action. The House Majority PAC, a leading super PAC backing House Democrats, has launched a $20 million fund to target Republican-held districts in Texas if the redistricting plan moves forward.

“For the Republicans, it’s very high risk but high reward,” said Brian Smith, a political science professor at Rice University. “If you make these Republican seats that are currently safe less safe, then there’s potential for Democratic pick-up.”

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Senate Republicans insisted no draft map has been finalized yet.

“As soon as we have a map to consider, there will be public hearings here at the Capitol,” said Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, who chairs the Senate committee. “And we’ll have as many of those as necessary to do the committee’s work.”

At UT Arlington, the House Redistricting Committee opened its hearing with just as much intensity.

“We will follow the rules, we’re gonna follow the rules,” said Chairman Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, as the crowd settled in. “Alright, come to order.”

Democratic lawmakers continued their criticism of the process.

“This right here is a racist attack on congressional districts of color,” said Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Cypress, to loud applause.

Members of the public also lined up to speak out. Janet Mattern, a Texas resident, called any plan to remove minority representation “a direct and intentional act of voter disenfranchisement.”

But after days of lopsided testimony, one pro-redistricting voice finally stepped up.

“I strongly support the Republican redistricting,” said Rich Doggman, prompting loud booing from the crowd. “We need and must have increased Republican leadership in the great state of Texas to remain great.”

Outside the Arlington hearing, a small group of protesters gathered, chanting: “Do you want to represent Trump or do you want to represent Texas?”

Smith, the Rice University professor, warned that once maps are released, the process could move quickly, leaving little time for public feedback.

“Once they decide on a map, they’re gonna move very quickly,” Smith said. “Without a map, you’re losing a lot of political capital, because it looks like it’s not a very transparent process, and it doesn’t give people a real chance to respond.”

The next House redistricting hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Harlingen. Lawmakers have until August 19, the end of the 30-day special session, to pass any final map.