A&M political science expert says early redistricting could sway House power in Texas

Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025 at 19:43 GMT by KBTX
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Focus at Four: Texas A&M political science professor weighs in on state redistricting

A&M Political Science Expert Warns Early Redistricting Could Tip Balance of Power in Texas House

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) — As Texas gears up for what could be one of the most contentious legislative sessions in recent memory, a political science expert from Texas A&M University is sounding the alarm on the potential impacts of early redistricting efforts. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a professor of political science at A&M with over two decades of experience studying electoral systems and state politics, argues that accelerating the redistricting process could dramatically alter the balance of power in the Texas House of Representatives. In an exclusive interview with KBTX, Ramirez outlined how such moves, often driven by partisan interests, might reshape the state's political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections and beyond.

Redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically occurs every decade following the U.S. Census to account for population shifts and ensure fair representation. However, Texas lawmakers have a history of engaging in mid-decade redistricting, a practice that has sparked legal battles and accusations of gerrymandering. Ramirez points to the infamous 2003 redistricting saga, when then-House Majority Leader Tom DeLay orchestrated a controversial remapping that favored Republicans, leading to a dramatic walkout by Democratic legislators who fled to Oklahoma to deny a quorum. "That episode set a precedent," Ramirez explained. "It showed how redistricting outside the normal cycle can be weaponized to consolidate power, often at the expense of minority voters and competitive elections."

The current push for early redistricting stems from several factors, according to Ramirez. Texas has experienced explosive population growth since the 2020 Census, particularly in urban and suburban areas like the Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin metros. This growth has disproportionately benefited Democratic-leaning demographics, including young professionals, immigrants, and people of color. Republicans, who currently hold a slim majority in the Texas House (83-67 as of the last session), are reportedly eyeing an early redraw to protect their edge. "With the 2030 Census still years away, there's a window for the GOP-controlled legislature to act preemptively," Ramirez said. "They could use updated population data from state estimates or even challenge the 2020 maps in court to justify a redo."

One key mechanism for this could be through the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB), a five-member panel that steps in if the legislature fails to pass new maps during a regular session. Composed of the lieutenant governor, House speaker, attorney general, comptroller, and land commissioner—all currently Republicans—the LRB has broad authority to redraw districts. Ramirez warns that invoking the LRB early could lead to maps that dilute the voting power of growing Democratic strongholds. For instance, she highlighted how districts in Harris County, home to Houston, could be fragmented to mix urban voters with conservative rural ones, effectively muting progressive voices.

The implications for House power are profound, Ramirez asserts. The Texas House plays a pivotal role in state governance, controlling everything from education funding and healthcare policy to abortion rights and gun laws. A redrawn map could entrench Republican dominance, making it harder for Democrats to flip seats even in a wave election. "Think about the 2022 midterms," Ramirez noted. "Democrats made gains in suburban districts, but gerrymandered maps limited their overall success. An early redistricting could lock in those advantages for another decade, potentially swaying close votes on issues like property tax reform or border security."

Critics of early redistricting argue it undermines democratic principles. Organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Texas NAACP have long decried such practices as voter suppression, particularly affecting Black and Hispanic communities, which make up a significant portion of Texas's population. Ramirez concurs, drawing on her research into voting rights. "Redistricting should promote representation, not manipulation," she said. "When it's done mid-cycle, it's often about power preservation rather than population equity. We've seen this in states like North Carolina and Wisconsin, where partisan maps have led to legislatures that don't reflect the popular vote."

Proponents, including some Republican leaders, counter that early adjustments are necessary to address rapid demographic changes. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signaled support for reviewing district lines, citing the influx of residents from states like California as a reason to ensure "fair and accurate" representation. In a recent press conference, Abbott remarked, "Texas is growing faster than ever, and our maps need to keep up to prevent overrepresentation in stagnant areas." However, Ramirez dismisses this as a smokescreen. "Population growth is already accounted for in the decennial process," she argued. "Pushing for early changes is more about electoral calculus than administrative necessity."

Looking ahead, the expert predicts legal challenges if redistricting moves forward prematurely. The U.S. Supreme Court has issued mixed rulings on gerrymandering; while it has struck down racial gerrymanders under the Voting Rights Act, it has been more permissive on partisan ones. Ramirez referenced the 2019 case Rucho v. Common Cause, where the Court ruled that federal courts cannot intervene in partisan gerrymandering claims, leaving states like Texas with considerable leeway. "This creates a wild west scenario," she said. "Without federal oversight, state courts or the Department of Justice might be the last line of defense, but their effectiveness depends on the political climate."

Ramirez also delved into the broader national context, noting that Texas's actions could influence congressional redistricting as well. With 38 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives—the second-most after California—any shifts in state maps could ripple to Washington, D.C. "If Texas Republicans solidify their hold on the state House, they could draw federal districts that help the GOP regain control of Congress," she explained. This is especially relevant post-2024 elections, where narrow margins decided chamber control.

To illustrate the stakes, Ramirez pointed to hypothetical scenarios based on her modeling. In a standard election year, Democrats might target 10-15 competitive House seats in Texas, focusing on areas like the Rio Grande Valley and the Dallas suburbs. But redrawn maps could reduce that to five or fewer, effectively capping Democratic gains. "It's not just about numbers; it's about policy outcomes," she emphasized. "A more Republican-leaning House could advance conservative agendas on issues like school vouchers, transgender rights, and environmental regulations, while stalling progressive reforms."

Public opinion on redistricting remains divided, with polls showing widespread support for independent commissions over legislator-led processes. A 2024 University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll found that 62% of Texans favor nonpartisan redistricting to reduce gerrymandering. Ramirez advocates for such reforms, suggesting Texas adopt a model like California's Citizens Redistricting Commission. "It's time to take the pen out of politicians' hands," she urged. "Fair maps lead to better governance and higher voter turnout."

As the Texas Legislature prepares to convene in January 2025, all eyes will be on whether redistricting becomes a flashpoint. Ramirez predicts heated debates, possible special sessions, and even another legislative walkout if Democrats feel cornered. "History has a way of repeating itself in Texas politics," she said. "The question is whether we'll learn from past mistakes or double down on division."

For now, the expert's warning serves as a call to action for voters and advocacy groups. "Engage with your representatives, support fair mapping initiatives, and stay informed," Ramirez advised. "The power to shape Texas's future lies not just in Austin, but in the hands of its people."

This potential shift underscores the high-stakes nature of redistricting in a state as influential as Texas. With its booming economy, diverse population, and outsized role in national politics, what happens in the Lone Star State could set precedents for the rest of the country. As Ramirez aptly put it, "Redistricting isn't just lines on a map—it's the blueprint for democracy itself."

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[ https://www.kbtx.com/2025/07/22/am-political-science-expert-says-early-redistricting-could-sway-house-power-texas/ ]

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