Not surprisingly, reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold most of Texas’ electoral map was split on a partisan level.
“The decision, I think, was fair, it was realistic for the law,” said Nueces Co. Republican Chair Michael Bergsma.
“It’s an outrageous decision,” countered Nueces Co. Democratic Chair Coretta Graham.
Among the disputed districts was the 27th Congressional. In 2013 the state legislature re-drew the 27th to include areas around Victoria, San Antonio and Austin.
Before 2013, the 27th looked much different.
Opponents argue the current maps are diluted the voting strength of minorities.
“This is just another tool,” said Graham. “When they gerrymandered this district, to prevent African Americans and Latino voters from having a true voice and being represented in Congress.”
However, the district maps will likely change again once the 2020 census is finished.
“Texas is likely to get four more seats,” said Bergsma. “Who knows where Nueces will end up?”
Bergsma believes Nueces county could end up as part of a different district, especially if upcoming elections go the way he thinks they will.
“My assumption is the Congressman will be from Victoria, that means Nueces will be in play for a new district,” said Bergsma.
“Potentially if Cloud were to win the Special Election and in November, you could see his district shift from Victoria up, and then Nueces down being a different district,” added KRIS 6 News Political Analyst Dr. David Smith.
