The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is blasting Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for calling a Special Legislative Session to create new congressional maps in the midst of the deadly floods that have claimed the lives of more than 100 people, including many children.
On July 4th, torrential rain caused flash flooding in Texas Hill Country, which raised rivers more than 20 feet, and swept away 27 young children while they slept at Camp Mystic. The devastating flooding was widespread, and first responders are continuing search and rescue efforts to recover more than 160 people still missing.
In a statement, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said the Governor’s move was “shameful,” and noted that while Texans are responding to the floods, Abbott, House Republicans, and President Donald Trump are using resources to push through new Congressional maps.
“Republicans are running scared because they know the American people will reject them next year for their broken promises and failed agenda,” DelBene said. “They also know they cannot win fair and square, so they are trying once again to rig the maps.”
However, the Special Session announcement was made almost two weeks before the floods hit the Lone Star State, with Abbott announcing it in a press release from his office on June 23.
Still, DelBene said current congressional maps are already gerrymandered, and a new map would increase the number of competitive districts that could endanger Republican incumbents.
“House Democrats were elected in 14 Trump-won districts last year, and we have proven we can compete in these seats,” DelBene said. “In an environment where Democrats are overperforming in special elections by an average of 15% across the country since Donald Trump was elected, and with public opinion turning against the Republican trifecta, the DCCC will recruit aggressively to unseat any and all newly vulnerable Texas Republicans that go along with this corrupt ploy.”
The Special Session is scheduled to begin July 21 and will address conservative priorities that were left unfinished during Texas’ Regular Session earlier this year, including regulating THC products and the distribution of abortion pills, according to the Texas Tribune.
