Texas Democrats Criticize Trump’s Plan for Redistricting Texas Political Map
TL/DR –
Texas Democrats have criticized President Trump’s plan to redraw Texas’s political map, accusing it of threatening democracy and violating the federal Voting Rights Act by diluting votes of racial minorities. Trump’s team is reportedly pursuing a map that could lead to five new Republican seats in the state, a plan that has alarmed Democrats who are already locked out of power in Austin. In response, Democrats are contemplating measures such as encouraging blue states to redistrict in favor of Democrats, orchestrating a departure of state Democratic lawmakers to prevent a quorum needed for approving the maps, and hoping that Republicans spread their voters too thin, thereby offering Democrats a chance to win under a favorable national climate.
Texas Democrats Oppose Trump’s Redistricting Plan
Texas Democrats in Congress have voiced concerns over President Donald Trump’s plan to redraw Texas’ political map. They warn that an aggressive gerrymander could have future repercussions on the Republican party.
The Texas Legislature, which is Republican-controlled, is expected to examine a new set of congressional maps during a special session that commences next week. The expectation from state’s Democratic congressional delegation is that the new districts will perpetuate Texas’ history of violating the Voting Rights Act through minority vote dilution.
Trump reportedly informed Texas congressional Republicans of his political team’s pursuit of a new map that would create five new Republican seats. His political team is considering drawing new congressional district lines that would shift GOP voters from safe red districts into neighboring blue districts in an attempt to flip the seats and maintain Republicans’ House majority.
The Democrats are prepared to counteract the redistricting by persuading blue states to redistrict in favor of Democrats to compensate for potential GOP gains in Texas.
Threat of a Dummymander
Should Republicans aim to ensure the safety of current GOP members through aggressive gerrymandering, Democrats suggest they may inadvertently benefit the opposition party via a “dummymander”. Trump’s goal of gaining five GOP seats would give Republicans control of almost 80% of Texas’ congressional districts, despite Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris capturing 42% of the vote last year.
Democrats Going on the Offensive?
Democrats are considering fighting back through candidate recruitment for newly competitive districts. If the Texas plan proceeds, The Texas Tribune reported that House Democrats and representatives for blue state governors have discussed a plan to redistrict their states to favor Democrats.
Democrats have also highlighted a Department of Justice letter issued to Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton ordering the state to address the existence of coalition districts which combine multiple racial minority groups to form a voting majority.
The upcoming redistricting effort is a subject of concern for Republicans, with many wary of threatening their seats and attracting legal scrutiny. It is anticipated that a map emerging from the special session will be contested, motivating Republicans to maintain a low profile.
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