Three U.S. representatives and other lawmakers and witnesses told a Texas House select committee on July 24 that redrawing congressional lines now would harm constituents and community ties.

Rep. Greg Casar (D‑TX) said his district was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court as a Latino opportunity district following earlier litigation and urged the state to preserve the Voting Rights Act promise. “We should be focusing on rebuilding and relief for the people of the Texas Hill Country who have suffered from these floods, not on radical and ridiculous redistricting,” Casar said.

Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D‑TX) told the committee that dismantling her district would “silence the voice of this community” and called the process “a sham” when paired with a tight special‑session timeline and no publicly posted maps. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D‑TX) said he was “proud to represent” San Antonio and recalled past protests against mid‑decade redistricting; he described the current effort as an attempt to “use Texas” for national political advantage.

Why it matters: Lawmakers and many witnesses described immediate, practical harms if maps are changed mid‑decade — from confusing constituent casework to splitting neighborhoods that share languages, schools and services. Casar and Garcia said access to members’ offices and local advocacy would be complicated if districts are carved into more sprawling boundaries.

Examples cited at the hearing: Witnesses and members described districts that already span long distances and argued that further changes would make it harder for constituents to get help with veterans benefits, Social Security, federal infrastructure and disaster recovery programs. Garcia noted that many constituents do not have reliable internet access, and in‑person contact with representatives is essential for seniors and non‑English speakers.

Committee status: The committee did not propose or approve any new maps at the hearing. The chair reiterated the plan to collect testimony and materials, hold scheduled hearings in Houston and Arlington and only consider bills if a legislator files one.

Bottom line: Members of Congress who testified said mid‑decade redistricting would weaken communities’ ability to access federal services and urged the Texas committee to delay any action until proposed maps are publicly released and litigation is resolved.