Redistricting in Texas

By Kenneth Besserman
Director of Government Affairs and Special Counsel

October 1, 2021

The Texas Legislature is in the midst of changing district boundaries for House, Senate, Congressional, and State Board of Education election maps.

The redistricting process is required after every U.S. Census. As of October 1, 2021, proposed House and Senate maps have been released and hearings have begun on those maps. As early as the week of October 4, the Senate may vote on the proposed new Senate map. Next week will also see the House Redistricting Committee begin debate on the proposed new House map and amendments to that map.

Redistricting can be a highly partisan undertaking fraught with incumbents being paired with other incumbents, members being drawn out of their current districts, force retirements and resignations, and a lot of arguments about where lines should be drawn and how and where to account for the  population changes.

There are many resources available to guide you through the redistricting process, keep up to date on the current maps, and even take a stab at drawing maps of your own.

The Texas Legislative Council website is a great resource for Census date, viewing maps and districts, and a good understanding of the redistricting process.

The Texas Tribune is a good resource for the latest news and updates.

If you want to try to draw your own maps and encounter the same struggles that legislators face, look at Dave’s Redistricting.

You can follow the House and Senate Redistricting Committee hearings on Texas Legislature Online:

House Redistricting Committee | Senate Redistricting Committee