Doggett’s decision comes as Texas Republicans aim to redraw the state’s congressional district maps to further favor the GOP.
AUSTIN, Texas — U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett says he will not run for reelection if new maps are enacted and held up in court ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Doggett released a statement on Thursday announcing his decision:
“With approval of the crooked Trump maps imminent, the future of redistricting turns next to the courts. If this racially gerrymandered Trump map is rejected, as it should be, I will continue seeking reelection in Congressional District 37 to represent my neighbors in the only town I have ever called home.
If the courts give Trump a victory in his scheme to maintain control of a compliant House, I will not seek reelection in the reconfigured CD37, even though it contains over 2/3rd of my current constituents. Most of Congressman Casar’s current CD35 is not located in Austin. The Trump-revised CD35 gains Hispanic population to become 57% Hispanic. While drawn to favor a Republican, it remains a competitive district in which Biden received 49% and Allred 48%.
I had hoped that my commitment to reelection under any circumstances would encourage Congressman Casar to not surrender his winnable district to Trump. While his apparent decision is most unfortunate, I prefer to devote the coming months to fighting Trump tyranny and serving Austin rather than waging a struggle with fellow Democrats. If Trump extreme gerrymandering prevails, I wish Congressman Casar the best.”
First elected to Congress in 1994, Doggett has represented several different districts as Austin’s explosive growth forced Texas to redraw its political boundaries over the years. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent Democrat voices from Texas, focusing on education, health care access and consumer protections.
The move comes as Texas Republican lawmakers look to redraw the state’s congressional district maps to further favor the GOP. As Doggett referenced in his statement, under the new maps, the 78-year-old Doggett would likely have to face off against fellow Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, who also represents parts of the Austin area, in a primary election next March.
Casar responded to the news on X, praising Doggett for his work:
“Lloyd Doggett is an Austin institution,” Casar wrote. “I’ve learned so much from him. I’m grateful to him. The fight for democracy continues.”
Doggett’s seat has often been a flashpoint in the state’s bitter partisan battles over maps. The legislature’s latest plan shifted much of Austin into districts dominated by suburban and rural Republican voters.