Following last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling limiting the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Texas House Democrats are pushing for action both in and out of Congress.
In Louisiana v. Callais, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that a Louisiana district under Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA) relied too heavily on race when drawing a congressional map that created a second majority-Black district.
The decision now limits how states can use race in redistricting.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said the Supreme Court’s decision disregards the purpose of the Voting Rights Act, with Section 2 banning any voting law or practice that discriminates based on race, color or language status.
In the past, courts have interpreted the act to include not only intentional discrimination, but also policies that lead to minority voters having less opportunity to participate in voting.
“From Reconstruction to Jim Crow to the victories of the civil rights movement, the right to vote has never been freely given,” Rep. Crockett said. “It has been fought for, defended, and secured through sacrifice.”
Rep. Crockett said Texas has experienced a similar effect from map redrawings that “fracture” and “weaken” the voting representation of its Black communities.
“That is not a coincidence,” she said. “It is part of a broader effort to hold onto power by shutting people out.”
Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) said this ruling did not come as a shock to her.
"It is unfortunately not surprising that the Supreme Court’s Republican majority ruled to dilute the voices of millions by allowing states to reduce minority representation.
Rep. Escobar said she believes this decision sets back generations of advocacy for equality.
“Generations before us organized, marched and sacrificed to secure the right to vote and fair representation,” Escobar said. “Now, it is on us to organize, mobilize and push back against those in power who seek to silence the people."
Rep. Crockett said this decision should serve as a reminder that the fight for voting rights is not over, but also that it is up to Congress to take the next step.
“Congress must pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and restore the full strength of the Voting Rights Act,” Rep. Crockett said. “The struggle for voting rights has defined generations of this country’s history. It continues today, and we will not stop until every voter is fully and fairly represented."
