Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas Senate Special Committee on Redistricting held a regional public hearing focused on West Texas and the El Paso Region. 130 people from across the region registered to testify.

Senator Blanco issued the following statement:

“Within Senate District 29, there are two congressional districts—CD16 and CD23—that must reflect the voices of the people who live here. This region deserves congressional maps that ensure residents can elect leaders who understand our challenges and who will fight for the resources we need.”

“In the last decennial redistricting session, despite El Paso’s population growth, our region lost one of our Texas House of Representatives districts. That meant fewer voices in Austin speaking up for El Paso and West Texas. As this committee redraws lines for congressional representation, we cannot allow history to repeat itself. Growth should mean more representation—not less.

“That is why public participation is critical, especially during this rare mid-decade redistricting session. These decisions will shape our communities and our democracy for years to come. With over 7 million Texans lacking broadband and many seniors unfamiliar with Zoom, we need field hearings so that state government can meet our constituents where they are, listen to their stories, and make sure no community is left out of this process.”

“As we redraw the lines that will shape representation for the next decade, we must keep these communities of interest together, ensuring that rural voices are not drowned out, urban centers are not carved apart, and border communities are given fair representation. This is about making sure that every West Texan—from El Paso to the Big Bend to the Permian Basin—has a fair shot to choose leaders who know us, who understand us, and who will fight for us.

“Thank you to all of our constituents who participated in the hearing and made their voices heard. Your voices matter!”

Now that regional hearings are complete, the Committee is expected to submit a proposed redistricting map to begin the legislative process. A clip of the Senator’s full open remarks can be found here.

For more information, call (915) 577-0029. Media inquiries may be directed to Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.

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