Senate Democrats: Congressional Map suppresses Black and Latino voters

We are ten days into a 30-day special session. What has become glaringly obvious is legislators were summoned to Austin to do Trump’s bidding not to provide relief to Central Texas communities devastated by deadly floods, backstop the more than $1.3 trillion in cuts to health care and food benefits in the “Big Beautiful Bill” that in reality is a “Huge Horrible Bill” or consider any measure that would improve the daily lives of Texans. Neither chamber has had a hearing on a single bill to do so. 

Today, a proposed Congressional map was filed in the House. This follows an illegitimate redistricting process that disserves the people we are sworn to represent. The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting did not leave the Capitol for even one of its “regional” hearings. The committee heard only virtual testimony, refused to compel the attendance of a key DOJ official and did not submit a map for public comment. 

Unsurprisingly, the map that was published today is a racially and ethnically motivated gerrymander that reflects open hostility to minority Texans. The members of the Senate Democratic Caucus are closely reviewing the map to fully determine its implications. However, what is already clear is that this map is devastating for minorities, further reducing the number of districts where they can elect their candidate of choice. This map was drawn to fulfill Trump’s authoritarian vision at the expense of minorities. 

Texas’ current Congressional map is considered the most racially and ethnically gerrymandered map in the country. This new map continues that same policy of suppressing Black and Latino voters by packing and cracking their communities to dilute their votes. 

This redistricting scheme was never about ensuring fair representation. It was always about power. The Senate Democratic Caucus stands united in opposition.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus.

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