AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas House today gave initial approval of new congressional maps in a mid-decade redistricting effort. Despite widespread outcry, state lawmakers advanced the latest maps without providing an opportunity for public input. Community members and voting rights advocates across Texas have raised concerns that the new maps weaken fair representation and dilute the power of voters of color.
The following quote can be attributed to Oni Blair (she/her), executive director of the ACLU of Texas:
“Before passing any disaster relief, Gov. Abbott and his legislative allies redrew voting maps behind closed doors to further disenfranchise Black, Brown, and Asian American voters. It’s disgraceful that Texas lawmakers chose to advance President Trump’s extreme agenda while turning their backs on the thousands of families still reeling from one of the deadliest floods in state history. Every Texan deserves fair representation — because in a democracy, voters pick their leaders, not the other way around.”
