Texas Special Session to Address Redistricting Amid DOJ Gerrymandering Claims

A new political fight is brewing in Texas after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged racial gerrymandering in four congressional districts, all held by Democrats. The DOJ’s letter to Governor Greg Abbott prompted the addition of redistricting to the agenda of an already-called special legislative session, originally focused on THC regulation and flood recovery in Central Texas.

Governor Abbott and Republican leaders say they are acting to ensure compliance with the U.S. Constitution. The DOJ’s letter cites concerns with districts in Houston and Dallas, claiming they may violate the 14th Amendment and protections under the Voting Rights Act. Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas’s 38 congressional seats.

Critics, including Democratic leaders, argue the timing is suspicious. Rep. Marc Veasey (D), whose district was flagged by the DOJ, called the move “a coordinated political stunt” and said raising the issue amid an ongoing natural disaster showed “poor taste.”

Veasey’s district includes parts of Dallas and Fort Worth and is one of the so-called "coalition districts" designed to reflect multiracial voting blocs.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also criticized the timing in a social media post, accusing Texas Republicans of trying to exploit the special session for political gain.

Texas last redrew its congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census. Legal and political challenges have followed since, especially in urban areas with rapidly changing demographics.

Despite growing controversy, Abbott has defended the move, saying the DOJ letter requires a response and that the state must evaluate the districts in question. He reiterated his administration's focus on preserving election integrity and responding to the ongoing disaster in Central Texas.

The special session is expected to begin with flood-related emergency actions before turning to more contentious issues like redistricting.