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To: Governor Greg Abbott and Elected Officials in Texas
OPEN LETTER: Texas Redistricting Undermines Our Democratic Republic
We write today with serious concern regarding the State of Texas’ decision to initiate mid-decade redistricting—an extraordinary and undemocratic action that is not only unnecessary, but fundamentally harmful to the principles of representative government.
This redistricting effort, called under the pretense of a special session focused on flood mitigation and recovery, is not about protecting Texans. It is about protecting power. It is about preserving partisan control in anticipation of Donald Trump’s potential return to office, rather than preserving the will of the people of Texas. Redrawing districts barely halfway through the decade—just four years after the last census—reveals the true intent. Texas districts should reflect the reality and diversity of our state.
Let us be clear: Redistricting mid-decade is not normal. It is not fair. And it is not in keeping with the traditions or principles of a democratic republic.
In a true democracy, voters choose their representatives. Gerrymandering—particularly when done outside of the decennial census process—flips that principle on its head. Instead, representatives choose their voters, manipulating district lines to predetermine electoral outcomes. It is a betrayal of public trust.
Texans are already grappling with historic challenges: unaffordable housing, crumbling infrastructure, rising insurance costs, lack of healthcare access, and devastating floods. The state’s attention and resources should be laser-focused on solutions that serve all Texans. But instead, this redistricting effort prioritizes political gain over recovery, over fairness, over justice.
This is not governance. It is a power grab.
Mid-decade redistricting also directly threatens the constitutional principle of equal representation. District lines drawn to favor a political minority violate the Voting Rights Act, weaken the voices of communities of color, and diminish rural and working-class representation. In regions like Southeast Texas, where people are preparing to face hurricane season, this move could sever community representation at a time when residents need it most.
We urge every Texan—regardless of political affiliation—to recognize what is at stake. This is not just a political issue. It is a moral and civic one. Democracy only works when it is accountable, transparent, and inclusive.
We rely on Governor Abbott and state leadership to stop any attempt at mid-decade redistricting and instead focus on the urgent needs of Texas families. We trust that local and federal leaders will raise their voices in opposition. We ask that everyday Texans stay informed, show up, and speak out.
This is our state. These are our communities. Our right to fair representation must not be sacrificed to partisan manipulation.
Defend Democracy.
Why is this important?
Mid-decade redistricting in Texas is an undemocratic power grab that bypasses the standard 10-year process meant to reflect population changes. It opens the door to extreme gerrymandering, silencing the voices of communities—especially communities of color, rural communities, communities vulnerable to major storms, the working class—and disrupting fair representation. Texans must speak up to protect their right to choose their representatives, not representatives hand picking their voters, and hold lawmakers accountable to real community needs, not political gain.