The Texas House voted 84-59 late Monday to approve new congressional district maps that reduce the number of districts with Black and Hispanic majorities, per the Texas Tribune.
Why it matters: The legislation comes after recent census figures found Texas' growing diverse population doesn't bode well for Republicans, who then worked to protect incumbents with the redrawn maps.
Details: The congressional district maps are part of a redistricting process that occurs every 10 years to account for population growth. Texas was the only state to gain two new seats after the 2020 census.
- The new maps create 25 districts that voted for former President Trump in 2020 and 13 that voted for President Biden.
- The two new seats added will account for Austin and Houston, who will favor a Democrat and Republican, respectively.
- Texas' current congressional map has 23 Republicans and 13 Democrats.
- Democrats and voting rights advocates are expected to challenge the maps in court, AP reports.
Of note: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a longtime Democratic representative from Austin, told Axios Friday that he plans to announce his run for the Austin congressional seat.
What's next: Gov. Gregg Abbott is expected to sign the measure into law.
