Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday directed lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional map as part of a special session that kicks off later this month, as the GOP seeks to retain its narrow US House majority after next year’s midterm elections.

Abbott’s lengthy agenda for the Texas Legislature includes unfinished business, such as eliminating the STAAR test, and conservative priorities.

Greg Abbott is directing lawmakers returning to Austin this month to improve early warning systems and emergency communication in flood-prone areas and redraw the state's congressional districts in an effort to bolster Republicans in the midterms.