Texans Pack Senate Redistricting Hearing to Oppose Mid‑Decade Map Change

The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting opened a video hearing on Saturday for the North Texas region and heard more than three dozen two‑minute public testimonies, most urging senators not to redraw congressional maps mid‑decade.

Senator King, chair of the Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting, opened the session by confirming a quorum and explaining the committee’s schedule and logistics for virtual testimony, noting that registration closed 12 hours before each hearing and that witnesses would be limited to two minutes. He told viewers the committee is conducting four regional hearings and that if the committee later considers a bill or proposed map those sessions would be held in person at the Capitol.

Why this matters: Witnesses repeatedly warned that a mid‑decade redrawing of congressional lines would dilute minority voters’ power and be used for partisan advantage. Many speakers also asked the committee to wait for court rulings on the 2021 maps and to show proposed maps before making changes.

Public testimony emphasized fairness and local impacts. Cecilia Fernandez, who identified herself…