8.11.25 – Redistricting in Texas

Redistricting is currently happening in Texas, and we’re paying attention.

The Texas Legislature is convening for a Special Session which concludes August 7. Of his 18-item agenda, Governor Abbott has prioritized Mid-Cycle Redistricting, an unusual move outside the regular 10-year census cycle.

Yesterday, Texas lawmakers released the new maps, and one thing is clear: these maps are gerrymandered, unjust, and designed to silence our communities.

As a civic focused organization that worked on 2020 Census outreach and Redistricting with Filipino communities, specifically on ensuring “Communities of Interest”, including Filipino churches, small businesses, and significant landmarks were kept intact during the redrawing process, we are concerned about this issue.

Voters choose their representatives, representatives do not choose their voters.

Redistricting should not be politicized, rushed or minimized.

Redistricting determines how public resources are allocated and how communities are represented through the allotment of elected seats based on population.

Mid-cycle Redistricting limits transparency and public input. It silences Filipina/x/o American and AAPI communities making it more difficult to engage in the voting process and elect candidates of their choice. Despite being labeled “race-blind,” these new congressional maps are a calculated effort to protect white voting majorities and suppress growing communities of color.

With over 234,000 Filipino Americans in Texas, and Texas being the third most populous state for FilAms in the U.S., this fight is about more than maps. It’s about our visibility and our future.