Redistricting has drawn passionate debate across the state.
BEAUMONT, Texas — The Southeast Texas Impact Initiative held a “Fight the Trump Takeover” rally Saturday at Rogers Park, as part of a statewide effort to raise awareness about redistricting a key issue in Governor Greg Abbott’s current special legislative session.
Organizers say the rally served as an opportunity for community members to stand in solidarity with others across the state who are pushing back against what they describe as a Republican-led effort to redraw voting districts for political gain.
Among the speakers was former U.S. Congressman Nick Lampson, who urged attendees to stay active and informed.
“We must exercise our right to get in front of each other with each other,” Lampson said. “It’s critically important.”
Redistricting has drawn passionate debate across the state. Supporters of the proposed changes testified before state lawmakers in Austin this week, saying the redraw is needed to reflect Texas’ rapid population growth.
“This means growing communities don’t get left behind, and rural voices which have always been the backbone of Texas still carry weight in our government,” one supporter told lawmakers. “This isn’t about one party or another. It’s about being fair.”
But Democratic lawmakers argue the Republican-backed map could diminish the influence of Black and Hispanic voters, leading to long-term suppression of minority representation.
The fight over redistricting is expected to intensify as lawmakers continue to debate the proposals in the coming weeks.