Proposed Texas Map Adds Two New Congressional Districts In Austin, Houston

Texas lawmakers are looking to carve out two new congressional districts in the Austin and Houston areas, according to a redistribution map proposal released Monday.

The map, which was proposed by State Senator Joan Huffman (R), would effectively lock in the Republicans’ long-standing advantage in Texas for another decade, reducing the number of competitive districts in favor of a strategy of protection in place.

Twenty-three of Texas’ 36 congressional districts are currently represented by Republicans, the remainder by Democrats. According to the proposed map, the GOP would be able to expand its advantage, creating 25 districts where voters broke for the former President TrumpDonald Trump Cheney says many GOP lawmakers have privately encouraged his fight against Trump. Republicans criticizing Afghan refugees face risks. and 13 who voted for President BidenJoe BidenPelosi votes on bipartisan infrastructure bill on Thursday Pressure increases to cut diplomatic formalities for Afghans left behind President Biden makes the world a more dangerous place MORE.

Texas gained two new districts in the 2020 census, with metropolitan areas such as those around Austin and Houston responsible for much of the state’s population growth.

While the proposed card seeks to protect many cardholders from competitive re-election nominations, it could create headaches for some members.

For example, it would pit the Democratic representatives against each other. Sheila jackson leeSheila Jackson LeeBlack Caucus meets White House on treatment of Haitian migrants Angelina Jolie spotted in Capitol meeting with Senators Elon Musk after Texas Governor Abbott invokes her: “I’d rather stay out of politics” MORE and Al GreenAlexander (Al) N. Green Democrats’ anger grows over treatment of Haitian migrants Thousands demonstrate against Washington to assert their voting rights Housing assistance emerges as new housing struggles after ban deportation One against the other. Meanwhile, Rep. Dan CrenshawDaniel CrenshawGOP calls for referendum on Biden on vaccination mandates‘s (R) would overlap that of Rep. Sylvie GarciaSylvia GarciaThree Democrats Call for Investigation of Sidney Powell to Act ‘Quickly’ Overnight Energy & Environment – Presented by Climate Power – Manchin: Key Energy Supply Spending Package ‘Makes No Sense’ Six Moderate Democrats ” worried about the energy measures of the bill of spending PLUS (D).

The proposed card would also place representative Vicente Gonzalez (D), who was narrowly re-elected last year, in a more competitive district. Meanwhile, other incumbents such as Representative Henry Cuellar (D) would represent safer districts than their current ones.

Republicans have long held the reins of power in Texas. But Democrats have challenged the GOP more aggressively in recent years, motivated by a series of close races and the suburbs’ shift towards their party.

If approved, however, the proposed card would help protect cardholders on both sides of the aisle, reducing the number of competitive districts in play.

The maps unveiled on Monday are only drafts, which means they could still change before they get final approval and are sent to the government. Greg AbbottGreg AbbottTexas exceeds 4 million COVID-19 case thresholdthe office of (R).

This will mark the first round of redistribution in Texas since the 2013 Supreme Court decision removing the requirement that certain states obtain federal approval when they change election laws or the maps of Congress.