When the 2020 census data is finalized this spring, it will inform a massive effort to redraw voting districts at every level of government, from the United States Congress to local city councils.
The once-in-a-decade process of drawing what are essentially political lines through communities across the United States is often fraught with partisan debates, as the party in power typically draws and adopts district maps to its political advantage. In Texas, Republicans are firmly in control of both the state Senate and House of Representatives for the 10th consecutive legislative session and will control the redistricting process for both state and federal seats.
Williamson County commissioners approved the hiring of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP to represent the county and its employees in former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody s lawsuit contesting November election results Jan. 12.
The lawsuit, filed Dec. 15, is against current Williamson County Sheriff Mike Gleason, who defeated Chody in the November election 56.06% to 43.94%.
It alleges through two sworn affidavits that “mistakes, illegalities, and/or fraud” occurred during the election. County election officials have said the election results were accurate.
Gleason was sworn into office Jan. 1.
“I ll say it’s a ridiculous lawsuit,” Commissioner Valerie Covey said. “It is ridiculous waste of tax dollars, and I m very frustrated and disappointed that [it] has to be on our agenda.”
Some of the key topics expected to be tackled by legislators this session include COVID-19 response; redrawing congressional maps based on the results of the 2020 U.S. Census; public and higher education; health care; and public safety, particularly as it relates to racial justice.
Among Paxton’s top priorities are continued funding for public education, which saw historic gains during the last session with the passage of House Bill 3, which guaranteed increased state funding for public schools.
“I will work very hard to make sure we protect the gains we made with HB 3,” she said.
The most pressing item on the state’s agenda is approval of the biennial budget, which is likely to be extremely contentious this year given the fiscal strain imposed by COVID-19, according to state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson.