Texas redistricting is one of the most politically consequential processes in state government — a map-drawing exercise that determines representation for millions of Texans for an entire decade and generates some of the most contentious legal battles in American election law. Consequently, understanding how Texas redistricting works, who controls it, why it is controversial, and what the legal challenges have produced is essential for informed Texas citizenship. This guide covers the complete Texas redistricting process from decennial census through court resolution.
How Texas Redistricting Works
Following each decennial census, the Texas Legislature draws new boundaries for all state and federal electoral districts. Furthermore, this process covers 38 US Congressional districts, 31 Texas Senate districts, 150 Texas House of Representatives districts, and 15 State Board of Education districts. The maps must meet federal requirements including equal population across districts and compliance with the Voting Rights Act. As a result of the Legislature controlling the process, the party in power has significant ability to draw maps that advantage their candidates — the practice known as gerrymandering.
The 2021 Texas Redistricting
Following the 2020 census, the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature completed redistricting in 2021. Furthermore, Texas gained two additional US Congressional seats due to significant population growth — the fastest-growing large state in the country. The new maps were immediately challenged by Democrats and civil rights organizations who argued the additional seats and district reconfigurations diluted minority voting power despite Hispanic and Black populations driving most of the state’s growth. As a result, the 2021 maps were litigated through multiple federal court proceedings.
Voting Rights Act and Redistricting
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 requires that redistricting maps not dilute the voting power of racial and language minority groups. Furthermore, Texas — with a history of voting discrimination — has historically been required to demonstrate that its redistricting maps comply with VRA protections. In contrast to purely partisan gerrymandering (which courts have been reluctant to remedy), racial gerrymandering claims have a clearer legal standard that courts can evaluate. As a result, every Texas redistricting cycle produces multiple federal court cases examining whether minority voting power was protected or diluted.
Partisan Gerrymandering in Texas
Partisan gerrymandering — drawing maps to maximize one party’s electoral advantages — is the most politically charged aspect of Texas redistricting. Furthermore, the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that federal courts cannot review partisan gerrymandering claims, leaving state courts and state law as the primary remedies for excessive partisanship in district drawing. As a result, partisan gerrymandering in Texas remains largely unchecked by federal courts, with political consequences determined more by election outcomes and demographic change than by judicial intervention.
The 2030 Texas Redistricting
The next Texas redistricting will follow the 2030 census. Furthermore, Texas’s rapidly growing Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations — concentrated in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio metropolitan areas — will create new population dynamics that the Legislature must reflect in district maps. As a result, the 2030 redistricting will likely produce the most contested maps in Texas history given the state’s demographic trajectory and the ongoing political battle over who controls electoral representation in one of the country’s most consequential swing-state-adjacent markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is redistricting in Texas?
Redistricting is the process of redrawing Texas electoral district boundaries following each decennial census. The Texas Legislature redraws maps for 38 US Congressional districts, 31 Texas Senate districts, 150 Texas House districts, and 15 State Board of Education districts every 10 years.
When does Texas redistricting happen?
Texas redistricting occurs in the year following each decennial census — typically in odd-numbered years like 2011 and 2021. The next Texas redistricting will follow the 2030 census.
Who controls Texas redistricting?
The Texas Legislature controls redistricting. Republicans have controlled both the Texas House and Senate in recent redistricting cycles, giving them the authority to draw district maps. The Governor can veto maps but Republican governors have signed Republican-drawn maps.
Have Texas redistricting maps been challenged in court?
Yes. Texas redistricting maps have been challenged in federal court in virtually every cycle, with plaintiffs arguing violations of the Voting Rights Act’s protections against racial gerrymandering. These cases typically take years to resolve.
What will the next Texas redistricting look like?
The next Texas redistricting will follow the 2030 census results. Texas’s rapidly growing Hispanic and Asian populations concentrated in metropolitan areas will significantly affect how new maps are drawn and contested.
Follow Texas politics and government in our Texas News section. You can also read our Texas Democrats Redistricting guide for the Democratic perspective on the process. Additionally, our Capital of State of Texas guide provides context on how the Legislature operates in Austin.
