After a quorum break by Texas House Democrats, lawmakers passed a bill creating a new congressional map for the state at the urging of President Donald Trump on Wednesday. It's already passed the Texas Senate.
The differences between the Senate’s version and the House version will need to be straightened out first, but then the new map could go into effect immediately if it receives two-thirds of the vote of all House and Senate members, and will create five new Republican districts.
Here’s how Travis County will change:
Travis County is currently split into five districts. (Texas Legislative Council)
🖐️ Travis County Currently Contains Five Districts
Texas is a heavily gerrymandered state, which means Travis County contains parts of districts attached to areas near Houston and San Antonio. Congressional districts 21, 17, 10, 37, and 35 all extend into Travis County lines.
Most of Travis County falls in districts 37 and 35, both held by Democrats. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett represents District 37, which contains a large swath of Austin from Interstate 35 and into parts of West Austin. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar represents District 35, which includes the other half of Austin and parts of San Marcos, New Braunfels, and San Antonio.
This is how Travis County would be split if a new map is approved. (Texas Legislative Council)
📍 With a New Map Approved, Travis County Will Be Split Into Four Districts
The new map moves District 35 completely out of Travis County, meaning Doggett and Casar will likely have to duke it out to represent District 37 during the 2026 mid-term elections. The other districts that would cover Travis County, districts 27, 10, and 11, are all held by Republicans.
⏰ Is It Too Early for Redistricting?
The fight for and against new congressional maps typically takes place every 10 years in conjunction with the U.S. Census. Redistricting was not discussed during the legislature's regular session, but was added to the agenda for the first, and then second, special sessions.
