“Yearsago, I broke quorum and left the state to fight against congressional maps thatbetrayed Texans. The New York Times called me a “father in exile.” I spent afull month away from my youngest child, Alena, who was born right before Ileft. I didn’t make that sacrifice lightly; I did it because the people Iserved deserved a fair say in their democracy.
Today,the same injustice is rearing its head again. The state of Texas hassurrendered to Washington-based political operatives who are redrawing maps toentrench power rather than serve constituents. Instead of letting voters choosetheir elected officials, this process prescribes elected officials tovoters—undermining the very foundation of representative government.
Thisis not just political maneuvering. It’s a deliberate, racially discriminatoryassault on Black and Latino communities. It targets multiracial coalitions andtears apart districts where diverse groups have built power together, powerthat reflects the true faces of Texas.
Thatkind of destruction is illegal under the Constitution. It violates the VotingRights Act, and it violates the basic principles of justice.
I stand with the legislators and community leaders courageouslypushing back against this egregious overreach. Their job is not easy, but it isessential. We need them to keep fighting. And we need every Texan to understandthat this is a fight that is about more than just the maps. This is about whohas the power to decide elections, and who gets left out.”