In Redistricting Fight, Senator Cesar J. Blanco Condemns Mid-Decade Redistricting Power Grab, Votes No on HB 4

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
August 22, 2025
In Redistricting Fight, Senator Cesar J. Blanco Condemns Mid-Decade
Redistricting Power Grab, Votes No on HB 4
Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas Senate approved House Bill 4, an unnecessary mid-decade redistricting plan
orchestrated by President Trump to pick up 5 additional Republican seats in Congress, undermining Texans’
faith in democracy. State Senator César J. Blanco stood firmly against the bill, calling it a blatant power grab
and a dangerous departure from the Constitution.
“Mid-decade redistricting, absent a court order, breaks the rules our nation’s Founders enshrined in our
Constitution to protect the people from abuse of power,” said Senator Blanco. “The Constitution is not a
suggestion; it is the foundation of our democracy. If the rules of representation can be rewritten whenever
politically convenient, then stability is lost, fairness is abandoned, and the people’s faith in democracy itself is
shaken.”
Senator Blanco emphasized that the broader consequences of HB 4 will dismantle fair representation for Black
and Latino communities.
“These maps were drawn so politicians can pick their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives,”
said Senator Blanco. “Latino and Blacks make up 52% of Texas voters, and the rapid growth of these
populations is the reason Texas gained new congressional seats. But these maps shut us out. They slice up our
neighborhoods, weaken our voice, and deny our communities of color fair representation. When that happens,
we lose resources, we lose influence, and we lose accountability. That’s not democracy, that’s
disenfranchisement.”
Senator Blanco made it clear that Texas Democrats have led this fight against redistricting. During the first
special session, House Democrats broke quorum and stopped this bill in its tracks. Senate Democrats, including
Senator Blanco, carried the fight to Boston to sound the alarm and rally allies across the country. Their stand
inspired action in states like California. “What began in Texas sparked a fire that’s spreading across the country:
ordinary people standing up and demanding fair maps and fair representation,” he said.
House Bill 4 now moves to the Governor for final approval. Once signed, the maps are expected to face legal
challenges. “These fights aren’t over. They’re just beginning,” Senator Blanco said. “I look forward to this fight
continuing in the courts.”
Senator Blanco’s full floor remarks, as prepared, are attached and can be viewed here.
For further information, please contact Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.