WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has publicly supported the Democratic response to the Texas Republicans’ new congressional redistricting plan, denouncing the effort as an “authoritarian move” aimed at silencing minority voters and undermining democracy. Holder, now Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), said the mid-decade map redraw represents a dangerous escalation in partisan gerrymandering that threatens fair representation in Texas and across the nation.
The Texas GOP’s proposal to redraw congressional districts for the second time in under a decade has sparked fierce backlash from Democrats and voting rights advocates. Holder described the move as an attempt to entrench Republican power by diluting the voting strength of communities of color, particularly Latinos, in violation of the Voting Rights Act. “This is a blatant power grab that disenfranchises minority voters and seeks to subvert the will of the people,” Holder said during a call with Texas grassroots leaders and national Democratic figures.
Democrats in the Texas Legislature have already indicated plans to resist the GOP’s redistricting initiative. Some lawmakers have discussed employing a quorum-breaking strategy—leaving the state capitol to prevent the Legislature from achieving the quorum needed to pass the redistricting plan. This tactic would likely trigger daily fines under House rules, but supporters believe it is necessary to buy time for public education campaigns and court challenges.
According to Texas Democrats, the new maps would significantly reduce the number of majority-Latino and Black districts, undermining decades of progress toward diverse and equitable representation. Independent legal experts have noted that while Republicans deny racial considerations influenced the map, internal testimony and a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice indicate otherwise, suggesting that racial gerrymandering remains a key factor.
The National Democratic Redistricting Committee is coordinating a robust, long-term strategy to combat aggressive gerrymandering efforts nationwide. Holder emphasized the importance of sustained investment and grassroots mobilization, warning that “there is no off season in redistricting.” The NDRC is providing legal support and resources to states like Texas to challenge unfair maps in courts and at the ballot box.
Increased national attention has turned to Texas as a critical battleground over voting rights and representation. Republican leaders in the state have resisted calls for independent redistricting commissions, which Democrats argue could lead to fairer, more competitive districts. Meanwhile, other states with Democratic leadership have moved toward such commissions to reduce partisan influence on map drawing.
Holder’s backing adds significant weight to the Democratic efforts amid mounting resistance to the new maps. As legal challenges progress, and with potential quorum-breaking actions looming, the fight over Texas’s congressional districts illustrates the broader struggle over fair electoral processes in the United States.
Keywords: Eric Holder, Texas redistricting, gerrymandering, Democratic response, voting rights, National Democratic Redistricting Committee, quorum break, minority voters, partisan politics