New South Texas Court-ordered map released

New South Texas Court Ordered Map Released

A three-judge panel just released the remedial map correcting the unconstitutional redistricting in South Texas.

The court changed the boundaries of 5 Congressional Districts
CD 15 - Hinojosa
CD 21 - L. Smith
CD 23 - Bonilla
CD 25 - Doggett
CD 28 - Cuellar

All Democratic incumbents and Republican Lamar Smith can expect to be easily reelected.

The Hispanic population of the 23rd District, currently represented by Henry Bonilla, was increased significantly, but not to the level of the previously Constitutional map from 2002.

Under today's court ordered plan, Bonilla would be favored for reelection, but would not be considered safe. In light of Bonilla's consistent failure to win the support of Hispanic voters, it is certainly possible for Democrats to claim the seat sometime this decade

Election details from Court Order

March Primaries in effected districts are vacated. New filing deadline is August 25th for new candidates. Ballot will be certified September 6th.

Primaries and General Election run concurrently on November 7th.
In districts where no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be conducted between the top 2 vote getters.

Secretary of State will set runoff election date.