Hidalgo County adopts reconfigured election precincts to comply with new congressional map

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court voted Dec. 15 to amend county election precinct boundaries to conform with state law and a recent federal court order affecting congressional districts. The order, adopted by motion and voice vote, takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, and directs the elections administrator to provide the notices required by Chapter 42 of the Texas Election Code.

Elections Administrator Hilda Salina presented the adoption order and explained the packet before the court, which included a precinct order, maps, descriptions of changes and an adoption notice that will be published to inform voters of the changes ahead of the March primary. Salina said the reconfiguration responds to a U.S. Supreme Court order issued Feb. 25, 2025 and related legislative changes referenced in the record; she told the court the county engaged law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado & Acosta LLP as redistricting consultant and that the maps and related materials will be posted to the elections office website.

Commissioners asked for clarification about how changed precinct lines alter officials’ areas of representation; the elections office said it will distribute updated maps and precinct layers to elected officials and the public. The adoption order lists numerous affected precincts; the court recorded a motion to adopt, the motion was seconded, and the court voted to adopt the order.

The order cites Chapter 42 of the Texas Election Code and makes the reconfigured precincts the official county election precincts until a lawfully adopted replacement plan is approved. The elections office will implement the new precincts and publish required notices in accordance with state law.