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Tag: Redistricting

Partisan Redistricting War Erupts: Texas and California Battle Over Congressional Maps, Raising Democracy Concerns

Partisan Redistricting War Erupts: Texas and California Battle Over Congressional Maps, Raising Democracy Concerns

Partisan Redistricting War Erupts: Texas and California Battle Over Congressional Maps, Raising Democracy Concerns The United States is witnessing an unprecedented partisan battle over congressional redistricting, with Texas and California leading aggressive efforts to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The moves have sparked widespread alarm among political observers and legal experts concerned about the future of American democracy. Last week, the Texas House of Representatives approved a new state congressional map, strongly endorsed by President…

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California and Texas Intensify Redistricting Battles Ahead of 2026 Midterms

California and Texas Intensify Redistricting Battles Ahead of 2026 Midterms

California and Texas Intensify Redistricting Battles Ahead of 2026 Midterms With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, California and Texas are locked in a high-stakes struggle to redraw U.S. House maps, a process that could significantly reshape the political landscape. The contentious practice of redistricting, often referred to as gerrymandering, is once again taking center stage as both states seek to gain a partisan advantage. Texas initiated its moves following a directive from former President Donald Trump, urging Republican-controlled…

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Political Showdown: California Democrats Push Back on Redistricting as Texas Approves New Maps

Political Showdown: California Democrats Push Back on Redistricting as Texas Approves New Maps

Political Showdown: California Democrats Push Back on Redistricting as Texas Approves New Maps California Democrats are poised to take a pivotal step today, August 21, towards redrawing their congressional maps, a direct counter-move to new maps recently approved by Republicans in the Texas House. Lawmakers in both states are on the cusp of finalizing their controversial redistricting efforts, setting the stage for significant political shifts. In California, the state Assembly and Senate are scheduled to consider a package of bills…

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Texas Redistricting Standoff Concludes: Democrats’ Walkout Ends as Special Session Closes

Texas Redistricting Standoff Concludes: Democrats’ Walkout Ends as Special Session Closes

Texas Redistricting Standoff Concludes: Democrats’ Walkout Ends as Special Session Closes The contentious special legislative session in Texas, marked by a dramatic walkout of Democratic lawmakers to block a Republican-proposed redistricting plan, concluded on August 19, 2025. For weeks, dozens of Texas House Democrats defied Governor Greg Abbott and the state GOP, remaining outside the state to prevent a quorum and halt the passage of new congressional maps designed to favor Republicans. The standoff saw escalating tensions, with Governor Abbott…

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Texas Redistricting Standoff: Rep. Nicole Collier Defies Escort, Stays Overnight in Capitol

Texas Redistricting Standoff: Rep. Nicole Collier Defies Escort, Stays Overnight in Capitol

Texas Redistricting Standoff: Rep. Nicole Collier Defies Escort, Stays Overnight in Capitol State Representative Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) spent Monday night, August 18, and much of Tuesday, August 19, on the Texas House floor, refusing a mandatory police escort imposed by Republican leadership. Her defiance comes as Democratic lawmakers return to the Capitol after a two-week walkout aimed at blocking a GOP-backed congressional redistricting plan. Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) mandated round-the-clock police escorts for Democrats who participated in the walkout,…

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Texas Lawmaker Stages Overnight Protest Against GOP’s Escort Mandate

Texas Lawmaker Stages Overnight Protest Against GOP’s Escort Mandate

Texas Lawmaker Stages Overnight Protest Against GOP’s Escort Mandate Democratic Texas State Representative Nicole Collier made a powerful statement overnight, staging a protest on the Texas House floor after refusing a Republican demand for a law enforcement escort. Her defiance comes as Texas House Democrats, who had previously fled the state to prevent a vote on a contentious GOP redistricting plan, returned to the Capitol in Austin on Monday, August 18th. Upon their return, House Speaker Dustin Burrows imposed strict…

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Texas Democrats Conclude Two-Week Standoff, Return for Redistricting Vote

Texas Democrats Conclude Two-Week Standoff, Return for Redistricting Vote

Texas Democrats Conclude Two-Week Standoff, Return for Redistricting Vote After a two-week absence, Texas Democrats have ended their legislative walkout and returned to the state capitol. Their return concludes a prolonged political standoff initiated to block contentious redistricting legislation. The move clears the path for lawmakers to proceed with a vote on the highly anticipated bills, which are expected to reshape the state’s electoral maps for the coming decade. Details surrounding the terms of their return and the immediate impact…

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Texas Democrats Return Amidst High-Stakes Redistricting Battle

Texas Democrats Return Amidst High-Stakes Redistricting Battle

Texas Democrats Return Amidst High-Stakes Redistricting Battle Texas Democratic lawmakers who previously fled the state to prevent a Republican-led redistricting plan are now making their way back, sources familiar with the situation told CBS News. Their return follows a period where they successfully denied a quorum, temporarily derailing Governor Greg Abbott’s special legislative session aimed at redrawing congressional maps. The GOP’s redistricting initiative seeks to create five additional Republican-leaning House seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. Despite threats of arrest…

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Newsom Unveils Aggressive Redistricting Ballot Measure to Counter GOP Power

Newsom Unveils Aggressive Redistricting Ballot Measure to Counter GOP Power

Newsom Unveils Aggressive Redistricting Ballot Measure to Counter GOP Power California Governor Gavin Newsom has ignited a political firestorm by unveiling the “Election Rigging Response Act,” a provocative ballot measure designed to directly counter Republican-led gerrymandering efforts across the nation. Speaking at a news conference on August 14th, Newsom championed this audacious strategy, signaling a departure from traditional Democratic approaches to embrace a “fight fire with fire” mentality. The proposed ballot initiative, slated for California’s November 4th election, aims to…

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California’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Battle: A Look Back at Newsom’s Bold Move

California’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Battle: A Look Back at Newsom’s Bold Move

California’s Mid-Decade Redistricting Battle: A Look Back at Newsom’s Bold Move In a significant political maneuver from a few years ago, California Democrats, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, unveiled a controversial proposal for a new congressional map. This aggressive redistricting plan aimed to secure up to five additional U.S. House seats for the Democratic party, directly challenging Republican efforts in states like Texas to redrawn their own electoral lines. The initiative was a direct response to what Newsom termed an…

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Newsom Blasts ‘Intimidation’ as Federal Agents Disrupt Key Redistricting Press Conference

Newsom Blasts ‘Intimidation’ as Federal Agents Disrupt Key Redistricting Press Conference

Newsom Blasts ‘Intimidation’ as Federal Agents Disrupt Key Redistricting Press Conference In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents today unexpectedly appeared outside a Los Angeles press conference held by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The event, aimed at promoting Newsom’s proposed November ballot measure to redraw California’s congressional districts, was disrupted by dozens of federal agents, prompting accusations of political intimidation. Governor Newsom immediately condemned the presence of the agents, calling it “an act of…

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Texas Political Standoff Escalates: Abbott Calls Second Special Session Amidst Democratic Walkout

Texas Political Standoff Escalates: Abbott Calls Second Special Session Amidst Democratic Walkout

Texas Political Standoff Escalates: Abbott Calls Second Special Session Amidst Democratic Walkout Governor Greg Abbott has immediately called a second special legislative session in Texas, less than two hours after the first overtime round concluded Friday without progress, as most House Democrats remain out of state, denying a quorum. The new session is set to tackle virtually the same stalled agenda, with redistricting and disaster response at the forefront of the Governor’s priorities. Other items include stricter regulations on consumable…

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Obama Condemns Texas GOP Redistricting as ‘Systematic Assault on Democracy’ Amid Ongoing Legislative Standoff

Obama Condemns Texas GOP Redistricting as ‘Systematic Assault on Democracy’ Amid Ongoing Legislative Standoff

Obama Condemns Texas GOP Redistricting as ‘Systematic Assault on Democracy’ Amid Ongoing Legislative Standoff Former President Barack Obama has forcefully entered the ongoing debate over redistricting, labeling Republican efforts in Texas to redraw congressional maps as a ‘systematic assault on democracy.’ Speaking during a recent Zoom call with Texas House Democrats, Obama commended their resistance to the GOP’s push to secure potentially five additional US House seats through new maps. In a 30-minute conversation, portions of which were obtained by…

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Obama Rallies Texas Democrats in Illinois, Backing Fight Against Gerrymandering

Obama Rallies Texas Democrats in Illinois, Backing Fight Against Gerrymandering

Obama Rallies Texas Democrats in Illinois, Backing Fight Against Gerrymandering Former President Barack Obama virtually rallied Texas House Democrats in Illinois on Thursday, August 14, 2025, offering robust support for their ongoing walkout. The Democrats left Texas to prevent Republicans from passing new, GOP-favorable congressional maps, a move Obama hailed as crucial in the broader fight against partisan gerrymandering. Obama underscored the significance of their actions, stating that their courage is inspiring other states, including California, to push back against…

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Newsom Prepares California Redistricting Counter-Strike Amid Texas Gridlock

Newsom Prepares California Redistricting Counter-Strike Amid Texas Gridlock

Newsom Prepares California Redistricting Counter-Strike Amid Texas Gridlock California Democrats are on the verge of launching a significant counter-offensive against Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts for political advantage, a move that could shape the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and the balance of power in Washington. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has signaled a major state announcement for Thursday, as national tensions escalate over mid-decade congressional map changes. The anticipated action from California comes in direct response to Texas Republicans’ plans,…

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High-Stakes Redistricting Fights Grip Eight States as Deadlines Loom

High-Stakes Redistricting Fights Grip Eight States as Deadlines Loom

High-Stakes Redistricting Fights Grip Eight States as Deadlines Loom Across the United States, a high-stakes battle over congressional redistricting is intensifying, with eight states now embroiled in efforts to redraw political maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Fueled by former President Trump’s call for Texas Republicans to secure five additional GOP congressional seats, the scramble has triggered a wave of legislative action, legal challenges, and voter initiatives nationwide, all unfolding with critical deadlines approaching. In Texas, the epicenter of…

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Texas Democrats Confirm Return as Abbott Prepares for Second Special Session on Redistricting

Texas Democrats Confirm Return as Abbott Prepares for Second Special Session on Redistricting

Texas Democrats Confirm Return as Abbott Prepares for Second Special Session on Redistricting Texas House Democrats, who previously left the state to prevent a vote on new congressional maps, are confirming their return to Texas. This signals the imminent conclusion of the first special session and the likely immediate commencement of a second. Sources close to the legislators indicate a loose plan for their return this weekend. However, a spokesperson for the Texas House Democratic Caucus emphasized that their travel…

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Texas Gridlock: Abbott Vows Immediate New Special Session After Lawmakers Fail on Maps

Texas Gridlock: Abbott Vows Immediate New Special Session After Lawmakers Fail on Maps

Texas Gridlock: Abbott Vows Immediate New Special Session After Lawmakers Fail on Maps Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced he will immediately convene another special legislative session, following declarations from House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick that the current overtime session will adjourn this Friday. The decision comes as the Legislature remains deadlocked, unable to pass any new laws, primarily due to Texas House Democrats having left the state last week. The Democrats’ quorum break was initiated…

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Texas Redistricting Battle Intensifies: Democrats Flee State, Abbott Orders Arrests Amid Quorum Blockade

Texas Redistricting Battle Intensifies: Democrats Flee State, Abbott Orders Arrests Amid Quorum Blockade

Texas Redistricting Battle Intensifies: Democrats Flee State, Abbott Orders Arrests Amid Quorum Blockade A high-stakes political showdown is unfolding in Texas as Democratic lawmakers have fled the state, effectively blocking a Republican-led effort to redraw congressional maps that could significantly shift the balance of power in the U.S. House. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has escalated the crisis, ordering state law enforcement to locate, arrest, and return the absent Democratic members to the Capitol. The legislative impasse began when House Democrats,…

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Texas Democrats’ Walkout Continues: Redistricting Fight Escalates Amid Threats and Legal Battles

Texas Democrats’ Walkout Continues: Redistricting Fight Escalates Amid Threats and Legal Battles

Texas Democrats’ Walkout Continues: Redistricting Fight Escalates Amid Threats and Legal Battles Texas Democratic lawmakers remain in an unprecedented standoff, having left the state a week ago in a desperate bid to thwart Republican efforts to redraw congressional maps. As the special legislative session nears its end in 10 days, the Democrats, currently scattered across Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York, face mounting uncertainties and escalating pressure from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who vows to call “special session after special session”…

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Paxton Escalates Texas Redistricting Battle, Seeks Expulsion of 13 House Democrats

Paxton Escalates Texas Redistricting Battle, Seeks Expulsion of 13 House Democrats

Paxton Escalates Texas Redistricting Battle, Seeks Expulsion of 13 House Democrats Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has dramatically intensified the state’s contentious redistricting standoff, filing a petition with the Texas Supreme Court on Friday to expel 13 House Democrats. The unprecedented legal action targets lawmakers who left the state in an effort to block the passage of a new congressional map designed to benefit Republicans. The petition names prominent figures, including House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu, alongside 12 other…

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Texas Legislative Crisis Deepens: Paxton Sues to Remove Fleeing Democrats

Texas Legislative Crisis Deepens: Paxton Sues to Remove Fleeing Democrats

Texas Legislative Crisis Deepens: Paxton Sues to Remove Fleeing Democrats Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has escalated the ongoing legislative standoff, filing a lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court on Friday to remove 13 state House Democrats who fled the state to block a Republican-led redistricting session. This action follows a missed 1 p.m. Friday deadline for absent Democrats to return, which prevented the House from reaching a quorum. Paxton’s suit targets specific members, including State Reps. Ron Reynolds, Vikki…

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Texas House Standoff Deepens: Democrats Maintain Walkout Amid Escalating GOP Threats

Texas House Standoff Deepens: Democrats Maintain Walkout Amid Escalating GOP Threats

Texas House Standoff Deepens: Democrats Maintain Walkout Amid Escalating GOP Threats AUSTIN, Texas — The political standoff in the Texas House of Representatives intensified this week as Democratic lawmakers continued their walkout, preventing the chamber from reaching a quorum for a third consecutive time. This ongoing defiance aims to block a vote on contentious congressional voting maps, a key objective of former President Donald Trump and a major flashpoint in the national redistricting battle. Despite stern warnings from Texas Republicans,…

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Texas Redistricting Battle: Austin Voters Divided Amidst GOP Push for Mid-Decade Map Changes

Texas Redistricting Battle: Austin Voters Divided Amidst GOP Push for Mid-Decade Map Changes

Texas Redistricting Battle: Austin Voters Divided Amidst GOP Push for Mid-Decade Map Changes A contentious mid-decade redistricting effort by Texas Republicans, reportedly at the behest of former President Donald Trump, is sparking outrage and accusations of voter suppression. The proposed map threatens to significantly alter Central Texas’ 37th Congressional District, currently represented by Democrat Rep. Lloyd Doggett, by fragmenting it into four neighboring districts, three of which are held by Republicans. Critics, including Democratic Rep. Greg Casar, argue that the…

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Understanding the Census: Examining Past Debates Over Citizenship and Apportionment Ahead of 2030

Understanding the Census: Examining Past Debates Over Citizenship and Apportionment Ahead of 2030

Understanding the Census: Examining Past Debates Over Citizenship and Apportionment Ahead of 2030 While the decennial census for 2030 is still years away, past debates surrounding its methodology and impact continue to shape public discourse. Notably, former President Trump’s administration previously sought to exclude undocumented immigrants from the population count used for congressional apportionment and attempted to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. These efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful for the 2020 count, highlighted the profound national repercussions of…

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Texas Redistricting Battle Intensifies as Democrats Maintain Quorum Break, Sparking National Fallout

Texas Redistricting Battle Intensifies as Democrats Maintain Quorum Break, Sparking National Fallout

Texas Redistricting Battle Intensifies as Democrats Maintain Quorum Break, Sparking National Fallout A high-stakes political showdown is gripping Texas as Democratic state lawmakers continue their dramatic walkout, fleeing the state to prevent the passage of a controversial new congressional map. The proposed map, which critics say is designed to guarantee the Republican Party five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2026 midterm elections, has ignited a national debate over the future of redistricting and democratic fairness….

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Redistricting Wars Escalate Nationwide as States Scramble for 2026 Election Advantage

Redistricting Wars Escalate Nationwide as States Scramble for 2026 Election Advantage

Redistricting Wars Escalate Nationwide as States Scramble for 2026 Election Advantage The battle for control of the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections is intensifying across the nation, driven by aggressive and often controversial redistricting efforts. Both Republican and Democratic parties are actively redrawing congressional maps, frequently mid-decade, sparking legal challenges and political confrontations. Texas is at the forefront of this political upheaval, with a GOP-led special legislative session underway to enact a new map designed to add five…

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Texas Redistricting Battle Escalates: Gov. Abbott Sues to Remove Rep. Gene Wu Amid Quorum Break

Texas Redistricting Battle Escalates: Gov. Abbott Sues to Remove Rep. Gene Wu Amid Quorum Break

Texas Redistricting Battle Escalates: Gov. Abbott Sues to Remove Rep. Gene Wu Amid Quorum Break A major constitutional clash is unfolding in Texas as Governor Greg Abbott has filed an emergency petition with the state’s Supreme Court, seeking to remove State Representative Gene Wu from office. The unprecedented legal action comes after Wu and other Democratic lawmakers left Texas, effectively halting Republican efforts to redraw congressional district lines. Governor Abbott’s lawsuit, submitted Tuesday, contends that Rep. Wu, who chairs the…

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Texas Redistricting Battle Reignites: Democrats Face Arrest Warrants After Fleeing State

Texas Redistricting Battle Reignites: Democrats Face Arrest Warrants After Fleeing State

Texas Redistricting Battle Reignites: Democrats Face Arrest Warrants After Fleeing State In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing redistricting battle, Texas Republicans moved swiftly on Tuesday to reconvene the state House, following their decision to issue civil arrest warrants for dozens of Democratic lawmakers. These Democrats fled the state to deny the GOP-led effort a quorum, aiming to halt the controversial redrawing of Texas congressional districts. Monday’s authorization of civil warrants by the Texas House empowers state troopers to apprehend…

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Texas Redistricting Hearing Sparks Outrage Over Absent Congressional Maps

Texas Redistricting Hearing Sparks Outrage Over Absent Congressional Maps

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…

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Texas Redistricting Push Ignites National Battle for 2026 House Control

Texas Redistricting Push Ignites National Battle for 2026 House Control

Texas Redistricting Push Ignites National Battle for 2026 House Control A contentious push by Texas Republicans to redraw congressional districts mid-decade is intensifying, with recent legislative hearings on July 24, 2025, signaling a potential seismic shift ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The audacious move, reportedly at the behest of former President Trump, aims to secure five additional Republican seats in the U.S. House, significantly impacting the balance of power in Washington. This aggressive strategy is already sparking a nationwide…

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Redistricting War Escalates: White House Pushes GOP Gains, Democrats Vow All-Out Fight for 2026 House Control

Redistricting War Escalates: White House Pushes GOP Gains, Democrats Vow All-Out Fight for 2026 House Control

Redistricting War Escalates: White House Pushes GOP Gains, Democrats Vow All-Out Fight for 2026 House Control WASHINGTON – A fierce political battle is intensifying as the White House actively pursues aggressive redistricting efforts to bolster Republican control of the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This multi-state push, spearheaded by former President Donald Trump’s urging, has already seen Texas Republicans initiate a special legislative session to redraw congressional maps, with sights now set on states like Missouri. Democrats…

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Newsom Threatens California House Map Redraw Amid Texas GOP Redistricting Push

Newsom Threatens California House Map Redraw Amid Texas GOP Redistricting Push

Newsom Threatens California House Map Redraw Amid Texas GOP Redistricting Push California Governor Gavin Newsom is intensifying a political showdown over congressional district maps, threatening to redraw the state’s 52 House districts in a controversial bid to counter a Republican plan to secure more seats in Texas. This aggressive stance comes as Texas Republicans prepare to convene a special legislative session next week aimed at reshaping their own 38 congressional districts, a move reportedly encouraged by Donald Trump to bolster…

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DOJ Challenges Texas’ ‘Race-Blind’ Voting Maps Amid Governor Abbott’s Acknowledgment

DOJ Challenges Texas’ ‘Race-Blind’ Voting Maps Amid Governor Abbott’s Acknowledgment

DOJ Challenges Texas’ ‘Race-Blind’ Voting Maps Amid Governor Abbott’s Acknowledgment The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally disagreed with claims from Texas leaders that the state’s voting maps are drawn without racial bias. This federal challenge comes as Governor Greg Abbott himself has acknowledged the DOJ’s concerns, stating that some districts appear to have been designed ‘along strict racial lines.’ Critics are quick to label the situation as a political maneuver, adding another layer of controversy to the ongoing…

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