Ding! Ding! Ding! Yes, we all hear the bell ringing that brings the first round of the fight on RIGdistricting to a close.
The past few weeks have been a valiant and exhaustive fight. But the inevitable happened: SB 4, the companion congressional redistricting map to HB 4, was introduced on the Senate Floor on Tuesday. It would eventually pass.
However, in a bold and unwavering act of defiance, I, along with fellow Senate Democrats, deliberately walked out of the chamber during the vote, to send an unmistakable message. There is nothing fair in this fight, but we will not back down! We will continue to protest, fight fiercely and utilize every tool at our disposal to stand firm against the Governor and his allies’ push for Trump’s RIGdistricting efforts.
We are resolute in our determination to oppose this unconstitutional attack on our democracy. While the bill passed out of the Senate, our heroic House allies’ strategic absence insures that Round One goes to the Democrats. This fight is far from over and we will not be silenced.
Round Two will be even more divisive and probably will not go our way. But I’m confident, let me repeat. I’m very CONFIDENT, that because of the elevation of this issue to a national level and alliances now forged with other states, we have partners who have joined us in this fight for Democracy.
More specifically, the states of California, Illinois, and New York will weigh-in heavily to help stop Trump’s attempt to disenfranchise minority and Democrat-leaning voters.
We are getting calls, from across the country from individuals who stand in our corner and are willing to tag in at moments notice.
While in Boston recently for a conference attended by legislators from across the country, representatives from more than 35 states pledged their support of our efforts.
Instead of focusing on the priorities of Texans, the Governor continues to prioritize Donald Trump’s power grab. Today, Senate Democrats stand united with our House colleagues. We will not cave. The Senate will stand firm. This is just the beginning of the fight; the first battle in a prolonged campaign. What lies ahead, as this first special session ends, will require your support and determination. So, keep calling your elected leaders. Those who share our views need to hear your support. Those you disagree with need to hear your opposition!
Do not get sidetracked, the President, the Governor, and their minions are all fixated on Texas and their Rigged Maps. Their emergence didn’t come out of nowhere. After all, the maps were deliberately discussed during public testimony during the regular session, along with a mid-decade attempt to redraw them. These manipulated and contentious maps have sparked intense debate, exposing the urgent need for fair representation and truthful governance. Our focus remains on the real priorities that will forge a better future for all Texans, no matter the interference.
Earlier today (8/13), the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and House Speaker have announced that the First Special Session, scheduled to conclude on August 21st, will sine die this Friday, August 15th. Because of this Special Session, it is clear that Texas is in the national spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. This must serve as a wake-up call to all of us.
As we observe the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, there is no time for celebration. Instead, we face the harsh reality that efforts to strip away voting rights have not yet been defeated, but merely delayed. They continue relentlessly, never stopping their fight to take away the rights of certain voters. Remember, if our vote didn’t matter, they wouldn’t be so determined to take it. I will not back down, and I call on you to stand with me. Our fight must go on!
Editor's Note: The above guest column was penned by state Sen. Royce West of Dallas. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author.
