Local leaders came together to push back against redistricting plans. Gov. Abbott called a special session, in part, to vote to redraw district lines.
HOUSTON — Texas is inching closer to a redistricting battle. Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session, in part, to vote to redraw district lines five years ahead of schedule. Democrats call it an unconstitutional power grab. Faith leaders and District 18 congressional candidate Christian Menefee said everyone needs to be paying attention.
At least four districts are facing redistricting if Abbott’s redistricting plan moves forward. At least three are in the Houston area. One is near Dallas.
“Their plan is not to add people to our districts; they plan to slice neighborhoods. It’s to break apart Black and Latino areas and to draw lines to make it harder for our communities to elect people who reflect our values. This isn’t about fairness, it’s about keeping power no matter the cost,” Menefee said.
He and faith leaders joined forces Wednesday, saying there is too much at stake.
“It’s not just a piece of legislation, it’s criminal activity. And I think we need to use language that enables the general public to really pay attention,” Bishop James Dixon said.
Typically, districts are redrawn every 10 years based on Census data. However, halfway through the decade, the Department of Justice released a letter claiming Districts 9, 18, 29 and 33 are unconstitutionally and racially gerrymandered.
“We believe the state of Texas should be doing everything we can to lock arms with President (Donald) Trump and further his agenda here,” state Rep. Brian Harrison said.
Some Republican leaders argue that it’s what Trump wants as part of a plan to eventually secure five more Republican seats in Congress.
“I support us taking whatever action necessary to make sure the United States Congress stays in Republican control,” he said.
Others argue this type of action will eliminate vital community representation, leaving vulnerable communities open to the leadership of people who never stepped foot in the districts.
“There’s a will and a willingness to fight. Legislation is a game of math. And the numbers are the numbers, but that doesn’t mean that we have to lay down and accept whatever,” state Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons said.
One of the first public hearings on redistricting is happening Saturday at the University of Houston’s student center at 11 a.m.