HOUSTON – Hundreds of Texas residents gathered at the University of Houston on Saturday to speak directly to lawmakers about a controversial redistricting proposal that could reshape the state’s political map.
MORE: What you need to know about Texas Republicans’ plan to redraw House districts
The hearing, held by the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting, follows Governor Greg Abbott calling a special session, prompted by a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, which labeled several current congressional districts as “unconstitutional.”
Divided Voices on Redistricting
At the heart of the debate are 10 congressional districts encompassing Houston and surrounding counties — including the 18th District, once represented by the late Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. That seat has remained vacant since his passing.
Voters are split over whether the redistricting plan empowers or disadvantages their communities.
Coalition districts were originally drawn to give minority communities a stronger voice in Congress. Some now question whether they remain effective, while others see the effort to redraw them as a political power grab.
“It was a long time ago — over 70 years,” said Shari Newton, Senate District 13 Chair. “At the time, these districts helped minorities elect someone they all supported. But things are different now.”
“This redistricting is a consequence of the Voting Rights Act being gutted,” said voter Joshua Poindexter. “If you’re going to argue fairness, every district should be redrawn by an independent commissioner.”
Fears of Political Loss – and Hopes for Change
Democratic voters worry that the proposed changes could diminish their already limited representation in Congress.
“I don’t want it,” said Lydia Jenkins, who traveled from Dallas to testify on behalf of family members that live in a few of the districts cited. “They’ve taken away everything — from special education to veteran health. When they redraw these lines to keep power, they silence us.”
On the other hand, some Republican voters say redistricting could bring much-needed change to areas that have struggled with crime and infrastructure issues.
“After 20 years living in the Galleria and Sharpstown areas, including Chinatown, nothing has improved,” said voter Helen Zhou. “We still have one of the highest crime rates in the city. Where is the flood control we voted for in 2018? Where is the safety?”
What’s Next?
The hearing was scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m., but ran over, as the first 3 hours were used as a time for the committee to speak with members of Congress and notable community members. Texas Democrats planned to continue the conversation at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, nearby, to hear from residents who didn’t get a chance to testify during the hearing.
RELATED: Texas House redistricting committee’s Houston hearing draws criticism over absence of maps
The special election for the vacant 18th Congressional District seat is scheduled for November 4th. Some candidates running for the seat argue that the district’s absence in Congress helped President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” pass.
As Texas lawmakers move closer to a decision, the voices from today’s hearing remain divided.
