Representative Al Green’s time in office has come to an end following redistricting by a Republican-majority Texas Legislature that effectively dismantled his District 9. Green, who has represented this area since 2005, is most recognized for his confrontational moments—particularly during President Trump’s 2025 address to Congress. Now, he leaves office amid accusations of divisive politics and ineffective legislation.
In response to the redistricting, Green claimed it was motivated by racial animus, calling it a “racist, unconstitutional scheme.” However, this perspective ignores historical realities where the Democrat Party engaged in gerrymandering for decades to maintain power. When examining the facts, one can recognize that the real situation reflects a pattern of projection from Green and his party.
Congressional redistricting occurs every ten years after the census, with Texas allowing for mid-decade adjustments. This flexibility has been used by both parties, but it was Democrats in the 1990s who pioneered race-based district maps. Under the leadership of figures like Governor Ann Richards, Democrats implemented districts designed to secure majority-Black and majority-Hispanic populations, ultimately to protect their political interests. The U.S. Supreme Court deemed these actions unconstitutional in the 1996 Bush v. Vera ruling, which emphasized that race cannot be a predominant factor in redistricting.
Today’s redistricting by Texas Republicans marks a stark departure from those past practices. As Senator Joan Huffman pointed out, the current maps focus on population fairness instead of racial demographics. This shift is crucial, especially given the changes in population due to illegal immigration, exacerbated during the Biden administration. Counting non-citizens in census figures creates an imbalance in congressional representation, giving undue weight to districts with high numbers of non-voters.
Green’s district, characterized by significant non-citizen populations, was justifiably reconfigured. The Texas Republicans’ approach adhered to legal frameworks established by the Democrats themselves years ago. By utilizing the same tools that were previously exploited, Republicans have achieved a constitutional solution without falling into the same traps of the past.
In summary, Al Green’s ousting is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of a broader shift in Texas politics. The accusations of racism leveled against the redistricting efforts fail to hold up under scrutiny. Instead, they highlight a longstanding legacy of the Democratic Party’s manipulation of district lines. The fate of District 9 serves as a reminder that political landscapes can—and do—change, often in response to the very same tactics used to create them.
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