Texas Democrats are preparing for a potential primary conflict between Representatives Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar following the recent congressional redistricting. The proposed map, which favors Texas Republicans by allocating them five additional seats, consolidates the two Democratic incumbents into a single district in the Austin area.
This looming contest could see the 78-year-old Doggett, a seasoned lawmaker and the first House Democrat to urge former President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, face off against the younger Casar, aged 36, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus. In a surprising twist, Doggett has encouraged Casar to run in the newly drawn 35th district, a move some within the party interpret as a sign of surrender in the redistricting struggle.
Concerns are rising among Texas Democrats that an intense primary battle could ultimately benefit Republicans, diverting vital resources that could be better utilized in the upcoming elections. Doggett emphasized the importance of unity among Democrats, stating, “It’s certainly a battle that is unfortunate to divide Democrats at a time when we need to be united against Trump.” He also raised questions about Casar’s motivations, urging the younger representative to clarify to voters why he should replace Doggett.
Despite having $6.2 million in his campaign fund, Doggett declared his intent to use the resources for his reelection campaign. “That money was raised for my reelection and I plan to use it as necessary,” he stated, indicating his commitment to win.
The debate intensified earlier this week when Doggett sent an email to his supporters suggesting that the new 35th district would be based in San Antonio, rather than Austin. He claimed Casar could leverage the district’s 57 percent Hispanic population to his advantage. However, Casar’s chief of staff, Stephanie Trinh, countered that Doggett had not consulted with them before sending the email. “Other than the fact that Republicans arbitrarily assigned this seat the same number as Greg’s current one, there’s no reason it would make sense for Greg to run in that district,” she noted.
Casar currently represents the 35th congressional district, encompassing parts of the San Antonio metropolitan area and Austin. Doggett serves the 37th district, primarily covering Austin and some surrounding suburbs. Under the proposed redistricting, the 37th district is set to become more Democratic, while the new 35th is projected to lean more conservative and would include less than 10 percent of Casar’s current constituents. The reconfigured 37th district would encompass roughly two-thirds of Doggett’s constituents, alongside a significant portion of Casar’s former city council electorate.
Doggett’s long tenure in Congress, spanning 30 years and including representation of the 10th, 25th, 35th, and 37th districts, has led to voices within the Democratic Party questioning the need for new leadership. Veteran strategist Chuck Rocha highlighted the irony of Doggett’s calls for younger candidates when juxtaposed with his insistence on remaining in the race. “There’s been frustration…with candidates not knowing the time to open the door to the next generation,” Rocha remarked.
These sentiments are compounded by the broader discussions within the Democratic Party regarding age and leadership, particularly in light of Biden’s decision to step down last year and the recent passing of several Democratic lawmakers. Activist David Hogg emphasized this generational shift, urging Doggett to “take his own advice and pass the torch.”
Yet Doggett clarified that his stance on Biden’s candidacy was rooted in concerns about electability rather than age. “There were many people who were more worried about their careers…who didn’t say a word,” he stated, defending his position.
Doggett also pointed out that the new 35th district presents an opportunity for Casar, citing its substantial Hispanic population. “He is the incumbent. He has the power to bring all of his talent and his resources to bear on this district,” Doggett argued.
Despite these claims, Casar’s supporters have voiced strong opposition to the notion that he should abandon his current district for one based solely on demographic considerations. A member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus remarked, “Suggesting Greg Casar abandon Austin…is insulting and out of touch.”
The dynamics of this unfolding scenario appear set for further development, as discussions among Latino leaders indicate robust support for Casar. Rocha noted, “I think there is almost a 100-percent consensus that he will have robust support.” As the March 2024 primary approaches, all eyes will be on Texas as these two prominent Democrats navigate their paths amidst the challenges of redistricting and intra-party competition.
