Civil Rights Groups Unveil State Senate Redistricting Plan for Texas: Plan Demonstrates 2 new Latino-majority Districts
San Antonio, TX - Today, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the Texas League of United Latin American Citizens (TX LULAC) and the William C. Velásquez Institute (WCVI) unveiled their Redistricting Plan for the Texas Senate. The plan, which was submitted to all members of the Texas Senate Committee on Redistricting, reflects the rapid growth of the Latino community throughout various parts of the state and the greater opportunity for Latinos to elect their representatives of choice. Based on an analysis of Latino population growth throughout Texas, the plan also supports 2 new Latino majority districts in areas where Latino communities warrant the opportunity to elect their candidates of choice. The following are recommendations by the organizations as to where these new districts should be considered:
| Region |
# of new Latino majority districts proposed |
| Dallas/Tarrant |
1 |
| South Texas |
1 |
"Latinos comprised 60.3% of all population growth in Texas over the past decade and Latinos now comprise 32% of the total Texas population," stated Nina Perales, MALDEF Staff Attorney. "As the fastest-growing group in Texas, Latinos are poised to become more effective voters and should have electoral districts that enable them to fairly exercise their vote," continued Perales. Antonio Gonzalez, WCVI President, stated, "The plan unveiled today clearly reflects the need for the growing Latino community to be fairly represented in the Texas electoral system. This is an opportunity for the legislature to take the appropriate measures to ensure that plans such as these are implemented to adequately reflect today's growing diversity." |
