Texas Republicans finally passed their new political maps, following fierce debate and a two-week walkout by Democrats. With Gov. Greg Abbott now set to sign the new maps into law, the next battle is likely to be in the courts. Assuming the maps are ultimately upheld, the GOP may find itself in the position of the dog that caught the car…what will they do with these new boundaries? “These districts were drawn to give Republicans the opportunity to win the vote,” says Vlad Davidiuk, GOP strategist. “They were not drawn the way Democrats have traditionally done it, which is to lock in a representative who’s going to be there for the rest of their life.”
The new maps create five new districts that should lean Republican, including four that are majority Hispanic. One Houston district is already shaping up for a competitive primary and a possible major flip. Currently held by Congressman Al Green (D), the district would become much more GOP friendly. That has prompted two Republicans, State Rep. Briscoe Cain and former Harris County Judge candidate Alex Mealer, to declare their candidacy for the new district.
While Republicans currently control 25 of the 38 congressional districts in Texas, Democrats have made inroads in urban swing districts during the past decade. One example is Houston’s 7th District, long held by Republicans until Democrat Lizzie Fletcher flipped it in 2018. Now, the GOP can begin to reverse that trend. “This latest redistricting effort is to create districts that are not only competitive, but that offer the Republican party an opportunity to win those votes that are already aligning strongly with the Republican brand,” says Davidiuk. “And then to expand on that increasing majority, and really flip the entire state toward the Republican party.”