Texas Rep. Al Green’s Tenure Ends Amid State Redistricting

Rep. Al Green (D-TX), who has represented the Lone Star State’s 9th Congressional District since 2005, is set to leave office after Republican-led redistricting shifted the district’s political balance, making it heavily Republican. 

The redistricting also affected Texas’s 18th, 29th and 33rd districts and was part of a broader effort to align congressional maps with population changes from the latest U.S. Census. 

The move effectively ends Green’s nearly two-decade tenure in Congress. 

Green criticized the plan, describing it as “extreme invidious discrimination” and claiming it targeted black and Hispanic communities, undermining minority representation while sidelining him politically. 

He suggested that the Department of Justice and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton played a role in orchestrating the changes. 

In a statement responding to the proposed lines, Green wrote, “Today, I received what appears to be the proposed redistricting congressional lines for Texas…Point one: the map is extreme invidious discrimination…Two, the DOJ demanded that the race card be played, and the Governor dealt the people of Texas a racist hand.” 

Republicans leading the redistricting emphasized that the adjustments were based on population fairness rather than race. 

State Sen. Joan Huffman (R), chair of the redistricting committee, testified under oath that race was not a factor in the redraw. 

The adjustments were intended to restore proportional representation to districts with legal residents, correcting distortions caused by non-citizens who were included in census population counts. 

Green’s tenure included advocacy on civil rights, social justice and economic policy. He frequently addressed systemic inequities affecting marginalized communities. 

His national profile rose in March when he disrupted President Donald Trump’s congressional address to protest proposed Medicaid cuts. 

The House voted 224-198 to censure him, with ten Democrats joining Republicans in support. 

Green voted “present,” arguing that he faced discriminatory treatment compared to Republican lawmakers who had interrupted former President Joe Biden’s State of the Union addresses, according to the Texas Tribune.

Beyond legislative efforts, Green has shared his personal experiences with segregation and racial discrimination in the South, including cross burnings by the Ku Klux Klan. 

He described using segregated facilities and witnessing systemic barriers firsthand, emphasizing that these experiences inform his perspective on contemporary political decisions and public criticism of actions he perceives as unfair.

Redistricting in Texas is legal under state law and demonstrates how congressional map changes can reshape political landscapes, The Gateway Pundit reports. 

While Democrats argue the recent adjustments are racially motivated, Republicans maintain that the process aligns with constitutional principles, ensuring districts reflect populations of legal residents and upholding the “one person, one vote” standard. 

Amid the heated debate over redistricting, Green’s broader contributions to politics extend beyond policy disputes, reflecting a commitment to fostering civic engagement and community leadership.

Green’s congressional career also includes mentoring young activists, engaging in community initiatives and highlighting the importance of grassroots involvement in shaping policy. 

He has consistently participated in national discussions on civil rights, political accountability and representation, drawing scrutiny from critics while serving as a vocal advocate for minority communities. 

The elimination of District 9 underscores the impact of redistricting on political careers, illustrating how population shifts and legal adjustments can reshape representation. 

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