Today, at the behest of Donald Trump, Texas Republicans revealed their new, extreme gerrymandered maps. Texas is already one of the most gerrymandered states in the country, and these maps make the gerrymander even more unfair. Texas’s old map was already sued for violating the Voting Rights Act. This new map adds additional violations to an already likely illegal plan. Despite the hot air from Texas Republicans about the purpose of the special session, these maps were released before emergency relief for victims of flooding in Kerr County. 

In response to Texas Republicans’ newest racial gerrymander, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:

“As Texas families grieve for loved ones lost after devastating flooding, Texas Governor Greg Abbott remains hellbent on using their pain as a political opportunity to placate Donald Trump. The newly introduced Texas maps are a blatant power grab by Texas Republicans, designed to further dilute minority representation in Texas. Texas is one of the five most diverse states in the country, and its congressional districts already provide too few opportunities for people of color to choose their representatives. This newest attempt to save Republicans from the wrath of voters after they passed Trump’s budget betrayal is an assault on Texas voters and a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act. It won’t work. Texas Democrats have fought tooth and nail against these maps, and the DNC will continue to support them. We will be exploring all options to fight back against this blatant gerrymander. Meanwhile, Texas Republicans should end this charade right now and focus on delivering flood relief for Texans in need.”