House to hear public testimony on redistricting Thursday

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting will hear public testimony at the Capitol Thursday about a proposed mid-decade redistricting plan.

The legislature is considering how to redraw the state's congressional maps after pressure from the Trump administration and its Department of Justice. President Donald Trump has publicly said he hopes Texas Republicans draw five new seats for themselves ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The committee will allow anyone from the public to testify at Thursday's hearing, but the hearing will specifically focus on counties that reside partially or wholly in the 10th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 31st, 34th, 35th and 37th congressional districts — eight of which are represented by Republicans, six by Democrats. The committee will still allow testimony about any area of the state.

The hearing begins at 2 p.m. in Capitol hearing room E1.030, and can last for a total of five hours. Witnesses have two minutes to speak. Those interested in testifying have until the hearing's scheduled start time to register, and can register here.