Texas Redistricting Hearing Sparks Outrage Over Absent Congressional Maps

A Texas House redistricting committee hearing in Houston on Saturday, July 26, 2025, erupted in sharp criticism from Democratic members and frustrated residents over the committee’s failure to present any proposed congressional redistricting maps for review.

Hundreds of Texans had gathered at the University of Houston’s campus, many signing up to offer testimony, only to find no specific plans available to discuss. State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, directly challenged Committee Chair Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, stating, “there is no revised congressional redistricting plan” for the public to testify on. Other Democratic lawmakers, including State Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston, emphasized the inability of citizens to provide meaningful input without seeing the proposed changes.

The contentious hearing is part of Governor Greg Abbott’s ongoing special legislative session, which includes redrawing several congressional districts. Critics allege that the targeted districts, predominantly held by Black or Latino Democrats — three of which are in the Houston area — are being revisited in a partisan effort to dilute minority voting power and secure Republican gains ahead of the 2026 elections. Vasut assured attendees that follow-up public hearings would be scheduled once maps are filed, though no timeline was provided, leaving many questions unanswered about the transparency and fairness of the process.

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