2000 Demographic Gains Suggest Potential Political
Opportunities for Latinos in Texas
San Antonio, TX - Based on the 2000 population demographics released by the United States Census Bureau, it appears that there is the potential to draw more Latino majority state legislative, both house and senate, and United States congressional districts during the current Texas state redistricting efforts. These new districts can be drawn respecting the existing minority/majority districts and comply with constitutional provisions and the requirements of the Voting Rights Act.
In 1990, there were 6 Latino Majority Congressional Districts out of 30. Based on the WCVI demographic analysis of the 2000 Census results, there is enough Latino population in Texas to draw 10 Latino majority districts, a net gain of 4. The 2000 demographic analysis reflects the addition of two new congressional seats.
'90 Latino Majority Congressional Districts/Total Congressional Districts: 6/30 or 20%
*Ideal Hispanic, 2000: 10.2
*Net Gain: +4
*Based on addition of new congressional districts.
In 1990, there were 7 Latino Majority Senate Districts out of 31. Based on the WCVI demographic analysis of the 2000 Census results, there is enough Latino population in Texas to draw 10 Latino majority districts, a net gain of 3.
'90 Latino Majority Senate Districts/Total Senate Districts: 7/31 or 22.6%
Ideal Hispanic, 2000: 9.9
Net Gain: +3
In 1990, there were 33 Latino Majority State Representative Districts out of 150. Based on the WCVI demographic analysis of the 2000 Census results, there is enough Latino population in Texas to draw 48 Latino majority districts, a net gain of 15. '90 Latino
Majority Representative Districts/Total Representative Districts: 33/150 or 22.0%
Ideal Hispanic, 2000: 48
Net Gain: +15
While the WCVI demographic analysis is just a direct translation of total population divided by ideal district size, other factors must be taken into account in the creation of districts (i.e. compactness, contiguity, and communities of interest). The analysis clearly demonstrates potential political gains for Latinos at both the federal and state legislative level. In the coming days, WCVI will be making public recommendations on the specific areas where gains can best be achieved. |
