Texas Redistricting Debate: Questions on Map Drawing and Political Performance

Questions on Map Origin and Drafting

• ❓ Rep. Chris Turner questioned Rep. Todd Hunter regarding the origin of the congressional map bill (HB4).
• 🗣️ Hunter stated he met with council who drafted the map, but he does not know the specific individuals or the map's ultimate origin.
• 🏛️ Hunter confirmed he instructed the law firm to "increase political performance" and that the draft presented met this request.

Transparency and Bill Authorship

• 🧐 Turner found it unusual that a bill author would not know the origin or rationale behind a bill.
• 🗣️ Hunter countered that it is not unusual to work with law firms on legislation and that congressional redistricting has been a known topic.
• 🗓️ Hunter asserted that redistricting discussions have been ongoing since April, contrary to Turner's recollection of hearing about it in June.

Law Firm Involvement and Hiring

• 🤝 Hunter identified the law firm as Butler Snow but was unsure of the specifics regarding who hired them or who is paying their bills.
• ⚖️ He mentioned ongoing litigation in 2021 involving the firm, suggesting a continuing professional relationship.
• ❓ Hunter could not confirm who communicated to him that he would be the bill author for HB4, only that Chairman Vuit asked him.

Senate Bill and Map Details

• ❓ Hunter was unaware of how Senator King received the map for the Senate side and had not read the Senate bill.
• 🤷 He did not know if the House map originated with him or Senator King, or if one was a copy of the other.
• 🏛️ Hunter expressed uncertainty about why the House was originating the map this session, but was glad the House was taking the initiative.

Specific Map Adjustments and Intentions

• 📊 Regarding CD9, Hunter stated the HCVAP population is 50.15%, and when asked if this was an accident, he responded, "I don't know what that means."
• 🗺️ When questioned about splitting election precinct 414 multiple times in CD9, Hunter suggested it was likely based on "Rucho, which is pure political performance."
• ❓ Hunter had no personal knowledge of data considered when splitting election precincts but believed it was done to follow the Rucho case, Paway, and current law, with a preference for partisanship.