Hakeem Jeffries on Texas Redistricting: Fighting Gerrymandering and Protecting Voting Rights

Texas Redistricting Plan

• 📌 Governor Abbott called a special session for redistricting after addressing floods, and the plan was snuck in during the dark of night.
• ⚠️ Hearings were rushed, with thousands testifying before even seeing the maps, and public testimony is limited to one day.
• 🎯 The plan is seen as an attempt to undermine the ability for free and fair elections in Texas.

Impact on Minority Representation

• 📊 In Texas, over 60% of the population is minority, yet Anglo voters control 65% of congressional seats, allowing them to choose the candidates.
• 📉 The new maps are reducing the voices and representation of minority communities.
• ⚖️ This gerrymandering is considered unconstitutional and is being challenged in court.

Call to Action and Opposition

• 📣 The most important action is to inform constituents across the state about what is happening, as people of all political affiliations dislike the plan.
• 🗣️ Texans are urged to use their voices to fight for their right to have a say in elections and to ensure their vote matters.
• ✊ Texas Democrats are standing up, speaking out, and fighting for the rights of all Texans, demonstrating courage and conviction.

Strategies to Push Back

• 🏛️ All options are on the table to protect the people of Texas, including political, governmental, and legal challenges.
• 🤝 The fight includes winning the hearts and minds of the people of Texas and beyond.
• 📢 Texas Democrats are committed to showing up, standing up, and speaking up for what is right for the people of Texas, with the goal to push back against the gerrymander.
• 🇺🇸 The actions of Texas legislators are being watched by people across the country as a stand against an unacceptable, unconscionable, and un-American process.