Texas Lawmakers Debate Redistricting Amid Deadly Flood Fallout

Texas lawmakers are in a special session focusing on two major issues: the response to deadly July 4 floods in Central Texas and mid-decade congressional redistricting. Public hearings have scrutinized Kerr County's emergency response, revealing that key officials were unavailable during the floods, while survivors shared emotional testimonies about the tragedy. Concurrently, Republicans have proposed a new congressional map aimed at gaining five additional seats, which Democrats and activists argue is a racially motivated effort to suppress minority voters and consolidate Republican power. The redistricting proposal has sparked protests and intense public testimony, with Democrats calling the map unconstitutional and accusing it of undermining voter representation. Despite widespread opposition, political experts suggest the expedited legislative process will likely push the map through, though Democratic lawmakers may attempt quorum-breaking tactics to delay the vote. The session continues to be contentious as lawmakers balance flood recovery efforts with the politically charged redistricting debate.