Democratic lawmakers slammed Texas Republicans for rushing a Trump-backed redistricting plan that will help the GOP lock in more House seats.

On Friday (August 1), tensions between Democrats and Republicans flared during a House Committee on Redistricting hearing at the Texas Capitol, per the Associated Press. Democratic lawmakers delayed proceedings, grilling Chair Rep. Cody Vasut about the timing and transparency of the redistricting plan.

The new map, which was released on Wednesday (July 30), would give Republicans five additional seats in 2026, likely solidifying their narrow House majority.

“This process is a sham,” Democratic Rep. Jon Rosenthal said. “Does the leadership of the state truly think the people of Texas are that stupid?”

Friday's clash comes after Gov. Greg Abbott added redistricting to the special legislative session agenda amid pressure from Trump to redraw the lines initially approved in 2021. Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas’ 38 congressional seats. The new plan would create 30 districts that Trump would have won by at least 10 points in 2024, eliminating competitive districts. Critics of the new map have pointed to a district that would stretch over 340 miles from liberal Austin to conservative Midland.

“If Republicans get away with this in Texas, other states may follow suit before the next census,” Rosenthal said.

Opponents have also accused Republican lawmakers of rushing the process and failing to be transparent. New maps were quietly released after earlier public hearings concluded. Democratic lawmakers attempted to force a vote to add more hearings in impacted cities, but Vasut declined to recognize them.

GOP Rep. Todd Hunter, the bill's author, defended the new plan and the pace.

“Don’t be surprised,” Hunter said. “The topic has been there.”

“I’m telling you. I’m not beating around the bush,” he added.

Hunter admitted the map was drawn "for partisan purposes," but said it's allowed under current U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

“There’s no requirement to do redistricting at a certain time,” the Republican lawmaker said. “Some people like it, and some people don’t, and that’s the nature of redistricting.”

Vasut said the committee could vote as early as Friday or Saturday (August 2), with a full House debate expected on Tuesday (August 5). With few procedural tools left, Democrats have weighed boycotting the session to block quorum, but Abbott could simply call another.

The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.

Weather

Current Weather