Texas Democrats slam GOP redistricting plan as "grossly unfair" and "deeply undemocratic" [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: July 31, 2025 / 12:35 AM EDT


Top Texas Democrats are sounding the alarm over a GOP plan to redraw Texas' congressional maps, warning in interviews with CBS News it would dramatically dilute minority representation in the Lone Star State and set off a nationwide ripple effect. Republican state lawmakers unveiled a draft congressional map on Wednesday that would turn five U.S. House districts currently held by Democrats into GOP-leaning seats — an idea blessed by President Trump as Republicans angle to hold onto their narrow congressional majority in next year's midterms.

One Democratic member of Congress whose district could be impacted called the proposed map "grossly unfair," arguing Black and Latino communities are being "scrambled" and intentionally fractured for political gain. "They've already gerrymandered the map — and now they're trying to make it 30 to 8 in favor of Republicans," the lawmaker told CBS News, referencing the state's congressional delegation. "This is grossly unfair and starts a dangerous domino effect. If Texas lights the fire, it will spread to other states like California and New York. It's going to be a mess across the country."

The Democratic representative also argued that Texas Republicans are banking on maintaining the historic margins they saw among Hispanic voters in November's election, but warned that recent polling shows a softening in GOP support among Latino voters — particularly in the wake of backlash over the Trump administration's deportation policies. Those voters "may not be there," the lawmaker said, cautioning the strategy could backfire and jeopardize Republican gains.

Another top Democrat who has previously run statewide in Texas echoed the concern, calling the proposal "deeply undemocratic." "We're seeing losses of representation for people of color in Texas," the Democrat said. "Five of the affected districts are Latino-majority seats. They're not just stacking the deck — they're doing it without any expectation of being held accountable. But they will be held accountable."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-democrats-slam-gop-redistricting-plan-as-grossly-unfair-and-deeply-undemocratic/