HOUSTON – The Texas Senate has passed a controversial new congressional redistricting map following a failed filibuster attempt by Democratic State Senator Carol Alvarado. The map, which now awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s final approval, is expected to bolster Republican control by potentially adding up to five new GOP seats in the U.S. House.
Concerns raised over representation
Democratic leaders, including Senator Alvarado and U.S. Congressman Al Green, are raising concerns that the redrawn districts dilute community voices—particularly those of urban and minority voters.
“We’ve seen rural communities facing shortages in hospitals and other critical services. Their needs are different from those in urban Houston,” said Alvarado, who represents Senate District 6. “When you combine those areas into a single congressional district, you end up with split priorities.”
One example is Congressional District 9, currently led by Rep. Al Green. Under the new map, the district would be merged with rural Liberty County, pulling it out of Houston’s southwest area entirely and combining it with parts of District 18—another historically Black district.
Confusion and misinformation
Congressman Green voiced concern that voters are unaware of the true extent of the changes.
“They should have put another number on it,” Green said. “Keeping the number 9 confuses people into thinking it’s a minor tweak, when in reality, they’ve merged two districts that have sent African Americans to Congress and made them one.”
Both Green and Alvarado have emphasized the need for public awareness and peaceful protest. Green called for his constituents to speak out in response to what he sees as an attempt to gain political power.
Political backlash and praise
Republican leaders argue the new map offers a fairer distribution of representation across the state. Senator John Cornyn called the new map a “big step” toward equitable representation, while former President Donald Trump took to social media to praise Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s efforts in getting the redistricting plan passed.
Still, Alvarado questioned the timing and motivation behind the map’s approval.
“This should not be happening mid-decade,” she said. “And it certainly shouldn’t come at the directive of a former president who claims Texas is ‘entitled’ to five GOP congressional seats.”
What’s next?
Senator Alvarado says she plans to keep pushing back, arguing that mid-decade redistricting sets a dangerous precedent—especially if other states like California follow suit.
“The fight is not over,” she said. “Voters deserve transparency and fairness in how their districts are drawn.”