Interactive: How proposed redistricting could change Texas
Explore this interactive tool that reveals how the proposed Texas districts are being redrawn in Austin, Houston and San Antonio
Explore this interactive tool that reveals how the proposed Texas districts are being redrawn in Austin, Houston and San Antonio
Explore this interactive tool that reveals how the proposed Texas districts are being redrawn in Austin, Houston and San Antonio
A redistricting battle is underway in Texas, and House Republicans have released the first draft of the state's new congressional map.
The redraws existing district lines, potentially giving Republican candidates five more seats in Texas, according to an analysis by the , a nonpartisan unit of the University of Virginia that examines contemporary political issues.
This has spurred action, prompting Texas House Democrats to leave the state in a bid to block the passage of the legislative action.
President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue and said, "Republicans are 'entitled' to five more seats in Congress."
What is redistricting?
normally happens every decade when the census data is released, but to redraw its districts mid-cycle.
The goal of redistricting is to redraw electoral district boundaries to ensure fair and equal representation by reflecting population changes and shifts identified in the census.
However, in the past, redistricting has been used for partisan gain in several states in a practice known as gerrymandering.
Currently, Republicans hold 25 of Texas' 38 House seats, and under the latest proposal, that number could go up to 30.
According to the , Republicans aim to gain more seats by redrawing district boundaries to consolidate Republican-leaning areas and potentially dilute Democratic influence in competitive districts.
Texas isn't the only state in a redistricting fight. are also considering a draft proposal to reshape their own district maps and cut away five Republican seats.
With Congress split 219-212, both parties are searching for any edge ahead of next year’s midterms.
To visualize the potential impact, the Hearst Television Data Team has created an interactive tool that allows users to drag and predict how key districts in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio will be redrawn based on the new proposal.
Can't see the interactive feature? Click here for the best viewing experience.