El Pasoans have an opportunity to weigh in on the Texas Legislature’s redistricting plans.
With a special session now underway, Gov. Greg Abbott — under direction from President Donald Trump — is looking to redraw Texas’ Congressional Districts in a bid to give Republicans more control in the U.S. House of Representatives.
One of the districts targeted is Texas District 16 in El Paso. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, was re-elected in 2024 to represent the 80% Hispanic district. It’s one of the largest minority districts in Texas.
Escobar is urging supporters to make their voices heard during a series of upcoming hearings.
“A few weeks ago, President Donald Trump instructed Texas Republicans to engage in a highly unusual, unscheduled mid-decade redistricting effort to pick up new GOP seats,” Escobar said in a news release. “As Republicans in the Texas Legislature proceed with the president’s request, I wanted to provide El Pasoans with information about the process and next steps. Because this process may impact our community, I urge everyone to stay informed and engaged.”
El Paso’s Democratic delegation in Austin remains opposed to any redistricting plans, which typically do not occur until the next U.S. Census is conducted in 2030. But with Republicans in control of both chambers, there is likely little they can do to stop Abbott’s plan.
Here is how El Pasoans can stay informed about the redistricting process and make their voices heard.
Texas House hearings
The Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting is set to hold three hearings this week. The committee consists of 12 Republicans and nine Democrats, including state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso.
Members of the public are allowed to provide testimony during the hearings via the following links:
Escobar’s district is included on the agenda for the hearing Thursday. July 24.
El Pasoans can request an invitation to provide testimony virtually by 1 p.m. Wednesday. Additionally, residents can submit comments online until the first hearing is adjourned.
Public testimony can also be viewed online.
Texas Senate hearings
The Texas Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting is set to hold four hearings in the coming days. The committee is made up of six Republicans and three Democrats.
Members of the public are allowed to provide testimony during the hearings via the following links:
Escobar’s district is included on the agenda for the hearing Tuesday, July 29.
El Pasoans can request an invitation to provide testimony virtually by 8 p.m. Monday, July 28. Additionally, residents can submit comments online until the first meeting is adjourned.
Public testimony can also be viewed online.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: How to get involved as Texas lawmakers redraw congressional districts
Reporting by Adam Powell, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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