Prominent political figures joined the crowd as tensions reached a boiling point inside the hearing room.
HOUSTON — Hundreds of people gathered at the University of Houston on Saturday to protest a plan to redraw Texas’ congressional maps. The demonstration was followed by a packed public hearing held by the Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting.
Prominent political figures, including former gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke and several Texas Democrats, joined the crowd outside UH’s Student Center. Protesters voiced concerns that redrawing the maps mid-decade could dilute the voting power of communities of color.
“What’s your biggest concern about redistricting? That it could be worse than it is now,” said Laraina Hailey, one of the demonstrators who attended with her husband.
“This is racism and it’s trying to silence communities of color,” said McKenna Tanner. “I’m so proud to be part of the most diverse city in the U.S., and our representatives should reflect that.” Her mother, Jean Tanner, added, “Everyone should have a fair voice.”
The hearing, which began at 11:05 a.m., was the second of three scheduled across the state. It focused on potential changes to 10 congressional districts, including several that cover the Houston area.
Tensions ran high inside the hearing room, where lawmakers spent nearly an hour questioning the process before public testimony began.
“This process isn’t about making things fair, which is what it’s supposed to be,” said Rep. Jon Rosenthal, D-Houston. “It’s mostly about removing districts represented by people of color.”
Others pushed back on the racial motivations behind the redistricting push.
“Y’all know that I’m the wrong person to defend Dan Patrick, but there’s no way in hell that a racist map would come out of the Texas Senate,” said Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston. “And I resent the United States Justice Department would send a bogus letter to the state of Texas accusing the people in this state of doing such!”
Several lawmakers questioned why redistricting is even on the agenda, noting the current congressional map was already redrawn in 2021 following the 2020 census.
“Could you explain in your own words what you believe the governor’s intent is in putting this on the call?” asked Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston.
“I could not speculate what the governor’s intent is,” replied committee chair Rep. Cody Vasut.
Rep. Armando Walle, D-Houston, pointed out the irony in Republicans challenging the very map they previously approved.
“You’re aware that the Republicans drew this map that now the Republicans are saying is illegal, is that my understanding?” Walle said, followed by applause from the audience.
When asked whether a new proposed map exists, Vasut confirmed there is none at this time.
The hearing eventually moved into public testimony, led by members of Congress and local community leaders.
“Please, stand up for Texas,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston.
For more information about public participation in the redistricting process, click here.