NAACP Sues Texas Over New Congressional Map Discrimination

UPDATE: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has just announced a lawsuit against Texas over its controversial new congressional map, claiming it discriminates against voters of color. The lawsuit, filed on August 22, 2023, argues that the recently approved map violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the U.S. Constitution by diluting the voting power of minority communities.

The NAACP’s filing amends a previous lawsuit that challenged earlier congressional maps. It alleges that lawmakers drew the new boundaries with the intent to “impermissibly discriminate against voters of color,” denying them the chance to elect candidates of their choice. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson stated, “Texas’s effort to redistrict mid-decade is racially motivated,” emphasizing the potential impact on representation for Black communities.

The Texas legislature passed the new map amidst significant controversy, claiming it was based on political performance. However, the NAACP argues that the process lacked adequate public input. The lawsuit calls for a court to declare the map unconstitutional and to prevent its enforcement.

The implications of this lawsuit are profound, as the newly drawn districts could shift political power in Texas, potentially flipping five districts to Republican control. Areas in Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth are directly impacted, with the map merging Democratic seats to create Republican-leaning districts.

This lawsuit marks one of the first significant legal challenges to the new congressional map. Other plaintiffs have also filed related claims, highlighting a broader movement against perceived racial discrimination in Texas’s redistricting efforts. In a statement, the NAACP encouraged other states, including California and New York, to act swiftly to redraw their maps in response to Texas’s actions, asserting the need to ensure that Black Americans retain a voice in Congress.

As the situation develops, all eyes are on Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson, both named in the lawsuit. Their responses will be critical in shaping the next steps in this urgent legal battle.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, highlighting the ongoing fight for fair representation in Texas and beyond.