Texas GOP Pushes Mid-Cycle Redistricting Power Grab

In Texas, we believe in fair play. Whether it’s football, business, or elections, the rules should apply equally to everyone—and once the game starts, you don’t get to move the goalposts. But that’s exactly what some politicians in Austin are trying to do with our voting maps.

They want to redraw the maps for Texas congressional and legislative districts in the middle of the decade—something that’s never been done before in our state without a court order. This isn’t just unusual. It’s wrong. And it should be illegal.

What’s Going On?

After every U.S. Census—once every ten years—states update their district maps to reflect population changes. Texas did that in 2021. The new maps were drawn by the Republican majority in the Legislature. At the time, they defended those maps in court by saying they were based on politics—not race—because using race as the main factor in redistricting is illegal.

Now, just a few years later, those same leaders are changing their story. They claim the maps were racially flawed after all—and that’s why they need to be redrawn now, mid-decade.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t about fixing a racial injustice. It’s a political power grab.

Why This Matters

Mid-cycle redistricting has never been part of the Texas tradition. Once the maps are drawn, they’re supposed to stay in place until the next census—unless a court steps in to fix a legal violation. That’s what keeps the system fair and stable.

If we let politicians redraw the maps whenever they feel like they might lose power, then elections stop being about voters choosing leaders—and start being about leaders choosing voters.

Even worse, the communities being targeted in this proposal are diverse, growing areas, especially in cities and suburbs. This plan would dilute the voices of voters of color and make it harder for everyday Texans to hold their leaders accountable.

It’s a Bad Precedent—and a Legal Sham

Here’s the kicker: if the maps really were racially biased, then they never should’ve been approved in the first place. But Republicans swore in court that race wasn’t a factor. Now they want to use race as an excuse to change the rules midstream.

That kind of flip-flop doesn’t pass the smell test—and it doesn’t match what the law intends. The Voting Rights Act is supposed to protect communities of color from being silenced—not be twisted into a tool to take away their representation.

This kind of manipulation should not be allowed in any state—especially not Texas, where we pride ourselves on independence, fairness, and doing things the right way.

What We Can Do About It

We can’t let this stand. If Texas becomes the first state to rewrite its maps mid-decade for political reasons, others will follow. The damage to our democracy will be deep—and lasting.

Here’s what you can do right now:

• Contact your Texas state lawmakers. Tell them you oppose mid-cycle redistricting.

• Support the Texas Democrats fighting this injustice. Visit RiggedRedistricting.com to donate, sign petitions, and stay informed.

• Share this post with your friends, family, and neighbors—especially if they live in Texas.

• Push for reform. It’s time to end gerrymandering for good. We need independent redistricting commissions and strong federal laws like the Freedom to Vote Act to protect our elections.

The Bottom Line

Texans may not agree on everything—but we know cheating when we see it.

Redrawing the maps mid-cycle isn’t just bad policy. It’s a betrayal of the Texas values we all share: honesty, fairness, and respect for the rules.

Let’s hold the line. Let’s protect the vote. And let’s remind those in power: In Texas, we don’t rig the game—we play it fair.