(Austin, TX) Today, Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chair Representative Barbara Gervin Hawkins (D-120) and members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus issued the following statement:
The Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TXLBC) stands resolute in its commitment to protecting the voting rights of all Texans, particularly Black communities. Governor Greg Abbott’s recent call for a special legislative session commencing on July 21, 2025, now includes redrawing the state’s congressional districts. This comes while Texans mourn the profound loss and devastation inflicted by the catastrophic flooding that has devastated communities across Central Texas. This tragic loss of life is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for strong infrastructure, rapid emergency response, and equitable support for all communities. Instead of prioritizing the immediate needs of our state, the Governor has demonstrated misplaced priorities by inserting redistricting into an already full special session agenda.
The proposed redistricting efforts come amid ongoing legal challenges to the 2021 congressional maps. Specifically targeting four minority districts, three of which are represented by Black legislators is a power grab move that raises significant concerns regarding fair representation and the potential for racial gerrymandering. The U.S. Department of Justice has alleged that certain districts were drawn in a manner that dilutes the voting power of minority communities, violating the Voting Rights Act. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has pointed to specific districts in Houston and Fort Worth as being racially gerrymandered.
Furthermore, the timing of this redistricting proposal appears to align with national political strategies. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump’s political team has urged Texas Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional maps to strengthen GOP control ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This raises questions about the motivations behind redistricting and its potential impact on minority voters. Not only will we actively participate in the proceedings of the special session, but we are also prepared to take all necessary actions to protect the voting rights of all Texans.
We call upon Governor Abbott and our fellow Texas Legislators to prioritize fair and equitable representation in any redistricting efforts and to engage in a transparent process that includes input from all communities. Additionally, the TXLBC calls upon all Texans to stand firm against any efforts to undermine the political power of minority communities through partisan redistricting. We will not tolerate any attempt to further disenfranchise voters, and it is imperative that we ensure all districts are drawn with fairness and equity in mind. The TXLBC remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the democratic rights of all Texans.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Executive Director, Texas Legislative Black Caucus
Email: cwilson@txlbc.org | Phone: (737) 384-1021
Our Call to Action
We call on our fellow legislators, city leaders, and community organizations to recognize this bill for what it is—a political maneuver that jeopardizes the legislative representation of marginalized communities. We need YOU to take action now to protect fair representation for ALL Texans. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Contact Your Representatives
Call, email, or visit your state representative and senator and demand that they stand against gerrymandering and advocate for fair, transparent, and equitable redistricting practices. Ensure that district lines are drawn in a way that accurately reflects the diversity of our communities.
2. Mobilize Your Community
Join local organizations, faith-based groups, and advocacy networks to raise awareness about the importance of fair redistricting. Educate your neighbors and friends about how gerrymandering harms our communities and encourages voter disenfranchisement.
3. Attend Public Hearings
Participate in redistricting hearings and town halls. Show up, speak out, and demand that the voices of all Texans—especially those in communities of color—are heard and respected during the redistricting process.
4. Sign Petitions for Fair Redistricting
Sign online petitions supporting fair redistricting and share them widely across social media. Your support helps amplify the demand for a fair process that serves every Texan, not just political elites.
5. Engage on Social Media Use your social media platforms to spread the word about the dangers of gerrymandering. Use hashtags such as #StopGerrymanderingTexas and #TexansProtectVotingRights #TXLBC to help raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
