HOUSTON – A Texas Senate panel has advanced a controversial new congressional map, moving it one step closer to Governor Greg Abbott’s approval — and one step further from what Democrats call fair representation.
The proposed redistricting plan would significantly alter political boundaries across the state, with one of the most drastic changes targeting Congressional District 9, currently represented by Congressman Al Green. Under the new map, District 9 would shift entirely out of its current area, merging it with neighboring District 18 — a move that could ultimately cost Green and up to five other Democratic lawmakers their seats.
Residents react to District 9 overhaul
The decision comes amid intense opposition from Democratic lawmakers, many of whom left the state for nearly two weeks in protest. Local residents, particularly in Houston’s 9th District, are voicing concerns that the changes will diminish their voting power and strip them of a representative who has been deeply engaged in community issues.
“It’s really, truly unfair,” said Janice, a long-time resident of the 9th District. “People are going to vote for who they want to vote for. This feels like an effort to take that power away.”
Michelle Williams, another constituent, praised Congressman Green for his hands-on approach, especially in fighting unsafe housing conditions.
“To me, he’s takes action,” Williams said. “He showed up (for me), he demanded change — that means a lot.”
Tracie Nelson, also from District 9, echoed those sentiments.
“It’s discouraging and unfair,” she said. “He cared. He looked out for the less fortunate. I don’t believe the new leadership will do the same.”
Allegations of racial gerrymandering
The redistricting process — typically done once a decade following the U.S. Census — is taking place this time under special direction from the U.S. Department of Justice. Critics argue the new map dilutes minority voting power by consolidating Black and Hispanic voters into fewer districts or spreading them thin across several.
Congressman Green has been outspoken in his criticism, calling the proposed map an act of “invidious racism.”
“It’s very, very disappointing,” Green said in an interview. “They’ve merged two districts that historically elected African Americans to Congress. Now, only one African American may be sent to Washington from the Houston area instead of two.”
He added, “Voters should have the opportunity to elect the candidate of their choice. In Texas, that opportunity has too often been denied.”
Next steps
The Congressman says he intends to challenge the map in court and is calling for peaceful protest from the public.
The Texas Senate is scheduled to reconvene Thursday night at 7 p.m., where further debate is expected.