Rapid Response Info Alert: Texas Redistricting Session Threatens Fair Elections

Click here to download this Info Alert as a PDF.

Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for a special legislative session to take place on Monday, July 21, where the lengthy agenda includes a redistricting plan ahead of the 2026 midterm election. This mid-decade redistricting effort is unnecessary and harmful to Texas voters.

What is Gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering is the undemocratic process of redrawing voting districts boundaries in a way that favors the interests of one group and weakens the voting power of others. Simply put, gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives. It divides communities, reduces the voices of working families, and undermines fair elections.

Current Situation:

• Texas redrew its congressional maps after the 2020 census, as required by law. A second redistricting would waste taxpayer dollars instead of focusing on the real needs of Texans, such as expanding healthcare, reducing flood risks, and building up infrastructure.
• Texas taxpayers have already spent $4.2 million on special legislative sessions this year.
• This plan is being pushed by President Trump’s administration to help Republicans hold onto their U.S. House seats. Redistricting is supposed to be a fair process handled at the state level, not influenced by outside forces.
• The gerrymandering will lead to legal challenges, resulting in costly court battles paid for by Texas taxpayers.

How will this Impact our Members?

Gerrymandering districts weakens the power of workers, threatens the issues we care about, and makes it harder for union-friendly candidates to compete fairly. When district lines are drawn to serve politicians and not the people, our ability to advocate for good jobs, safe workplaces, and economic justice is diminished.

The USW will continue to monitor developments in Texas and remain committed to defending fair representation for all working families.

For additional questions about this issue or ways to get involved in Rapid Response, contact Lawrence Castillo, USW District 13 Rapid Response Coordinator, at (817) 929-7593 or lcastillo@usw.org.