Texas' new redistricting maps are now law after Gov. Greg Abbott signs GOP-backed bills
AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed into law new political maps drawn by Republicans that cement the GOP’s grip on power for the next decade but blunt the voting strength of non-white voters who fueled Texas’ population surge.
Critics say the redrawn congressional, legislative and State Board of Education maps do not reflect the major growth of the Hispanic community, which made up nearly half of the state’s population gain since 2020. People of color accounted for 95% of the state’s population boom over the last decade, with much of the growth concentrated in cities and suburban areas, census data show.
“With his signature today, Governor Abbott continues the shameful five-decade-long tradition of ramming through extremely gerrymandered maps in an undemocratic process,” Anthony Gutierrez, Common Cause Texas executive director, said in a news release. “These racially and partisan gerrymandered maps deny every voter in Texas from having an equal say in the issues we care about most, like a stronger economy, better schools, and affordable healthcare.”
Abbott’s office didn’t release any remarks about the bill signing.
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund has already asked a federal court to toss out the maps, arguing the redrawn boundaries violate the federal Voting Rights Act and dilute the voting strength of Hispanic voters. The new maps are generally expected to withstand legal challenges, but battles over aspects of the boundaries could last several years.
Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/10/25/texas-new-redistricting-maps-are-now-law-after-gov-greg-abbott-signs-gop-backed-bills/
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