Representative Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat from Texas, has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024. This decision follows a recent ruling by the Texas Supreme Court, which upheld a newly redrawn congressional map said to favor the Republican Party. Doggett, who has served in Congress for over 30 years, expressed his intentions in a news release, stating, “I will continue working with the same urgency and determination as if next year were my last.”
Doggett’s district, which includes parts of Austin, was one of five Democrat-held districts targeted by the new map. This redistricting effort, initiated at the direction of President Donald Trump, resulted in the creation of five new congressional districts that are expected to benefit Republican candidates. The map’s approval follows a contentious legislative process that saw Democratic lawmakers temporarily leave the state in an attempt to block the vote on the new boundaries.
Controversial Redistricting Process
In August, Democratic legislators fled Texas to prevent a vote on the Republican-drawn map, a move that was met with pressure from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Upon their return, the Republicans were able to pass the map, leading to a legal challenge from Democratic officials. Initially, two federal judges ruled against the use of the new map, citing evidence of racial gerrymandering. However, the Texas Supreme Court later granted an emergency application from Abbott, effectively overturning the lower court’s decision.
After the ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that the Supreme Court’s order upheld Texas’s right to create a congressional map that would ensure Republican representation. In a previous statement, Doggett had warned that he would not run for re-election if the new map went into effect. “If the courts give Trump a victory in his scheme to maintain control of a compliant House, I will not seek reelection in the reconfigured CD37,” he said in August, despite the new district containing over two-thirds of his current constituents.
Reactions and Future Plans
Doggett’s announcement has prompted mixed reactions among his colleagues. Greg Casar, a fellow Democrat, acknowledged Doggett’s significant contributions to the community, calling him an “Austin institution.” Casar indicated plans to run in Doggett’s district if the redistricting took place, underscoring the shifting political landscape in Texas.
As he prepares to leave office, Doggett emphasized his commitment to continue advocating for issues important to his constituents. “After that, I will seek new ways to join my neighbors in making a difference in the only town I have ever called home,” he noted.
The implications of this ruling on the upcoming elections are significant, as the new map may reshape the political dynamics in Texas. With Doggett’s departure, the race for the newly configured CD37 is expected to attract considerable attention from both Democratic and Republican candidates.
As the political landscape evolves, observers will be watching closely to see how these changes affect future elections in Texas and the broader implications for national politics.
