AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate on Tuesday approved new congressional district maps that favor the Republican Party, advancing the redistricting bill to Governor Greg Abbott for final consideration.
The vote followed a heated debate over the maps’ fairness and their impact on minority representation.
Redistricting occurs every ten years following the U.S. Census to reflect population changes. The newly approved maps are expected to reinforce Republican control in Texas by redrawing district lines in ways that political analysts say reduce competitiveness and favor GOP candidates.
Republican lawmakers argued the maps comply with federal laws and accurately reflect the state’s population growth. Senate leaders stated that the districts ensure fair and proportional representation across Texas based on the latest census data.
Democratic lawmakers criticized the process, alleging it lacked transparency and diluted the voting power of minority communities. Senator Carol Alvarado of Houston voiced concerns about the impact on Hispanic and Black voters and stated she was prevented from filibustering the bill due to procedural rules.
“The maps do not reflect the diversity of Texas,” Alvarado said in a statement. “They weaken the political voice of communities of color.”
The bill passed along party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed.
Governor Abbott, a Republican, is expected to sign the bill. Once enacted, the new congressional maps will define Texas’s districts for the next decade and could influence both state and national elections.
Texas, which gained two congressional seats after the 2020 Census due to population growth, plays a pivotal role in national politics.