Additional Coverage:
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott orders lawmakers to consider redistricting as GOP seeks midterm advantage (cnn.com)
Texas Governor Orders Congressional Map Redraw in Special Session
Austin, TX – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has added the redrawing of the state’s congressional map to the agenda of a special legislative session beginning July 21st. This move comes as Republicans aim to bolster their slim majority in the US House of Representatives ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
The special session will also address pressing issues such as flood relief and early warning systems, following the devastating floods that impacted central Texas over the July 4th weekend. However, the redistricting order has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Abbott and Texas Republicans of prioritizing political maneuvering over disaster response, calling the move a “mid-decade gerrymander.”
Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas’ 38 House seats. A new map could potentially shift voters, targeting vulnerable Democratic incumbents in border communities like Representatives Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez. The current map, drawn in 2021, is already facing legal challenges alleging it weakens the voting power of minority groups.
Texas is not alone in this mid-decade redistricting effort. Ohio Republicans are also pursuing redrawing their congressional districts, aiming to increase their current 10-seat advantage out of 15.
These actions underscore the high stakes of the upcoming midterm elections and the intensifying battle for control of the House. Both Texas and Ohio have Republican-controlled legislatures.
In contrast, a recent attempt by Democrats to challenge Wisconsin’s congressional map failed in the state Supreme Court. Republicans currently hold a strong 6-2 advantage in Wisconsin’s House delegation.