The Texas House Select Committee on Redistricting passed a sweeping new redistricting proposal along party lines Saturday, with all 12 Republicans voting in favor and six Democrats opposing. Three Democrats were absent. The proposal now moves to the full Texas House for consideration during the special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott.
The measure, House Bill 4, was introduced by five Republicans and would redraw 37 of Texas’s 38 congressional districts. The proposal opens seven districts, five of which are projected to lean Republican based on recent voting trends. Republican leaders argue that the changes reflect the state’s population growth and the GOP’s strengthened electoral position following President Donald Trump’s increased statewide support in the 2024 election.
Committee Chair Cody Vasut held three public hearings before releasing the maps on July 30. On Friday, the committee held a 13-hour hearing, followed by a vote on Saturday. Democrats, including Rep. Gene Wu, criticized the fast-track process, with Wu saying, “We don’t drop bills two days before we vote them out of committee.”
Lead sponsor Rep. Todd Hunter defended the process, stating that redistricting is legal at any time and the changes comply with Supreme Court rulings. “You can draw districts based on parties – that’s recognized by the Supreme Court,” Hunter said. He emphasized that the new plan includes an increase in majority-minority districts and aligns with recent Fifth Circuit rulings.
Under the proposed map, Texas would have 10 Hispanic-majority voting age districts (up from nine), and two majority-Black districts (up from zero). District 18 would shift from 38.8% to 50.8% Black majority; District 30 would go from 46% to 50.2%.
Democrats and left-leaning advocacy groups have vowed to sue, claiming the redistricting is politically motivated and undermines minority representation. Republicans argue the changes are lawful and reflect the state’s current political reality.
