Texas lawmakers pass new congressional maps that bolsters GOP, reduces political representation of minorities
The Hindu
The Texas GOP control both chambers of the Legislature, giving them nearly complete control of the map-making process.
The Texas Republicans approved the redrawn United States House maps that favor incumbents and decrease political representation for the growing minority communities, even as Latinos drive much of the growth in the nation’s largest red state.
The maps were approved late Monday night following an outcry from the Democrats over what they claimed was a rushed redistricting process crammed into a 30-day session, and one which gave little time for public input.
They also denounced the reduction of minority opportunity districts -- Texas will now have seven House districts where Latino residents hold a majority, down from eight -- despite the state’s changing demographics.