Voting Rights Act
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Texas Dems SPEAK OUT in Boston on Trump-backed redistricting plan
MSNBC· 2025-08-06 17:07
Voting Rights & Democracy - The Voting Rights Act, signed into law 60 years ago, is under attack, with Texas Republicans accused of erasing its legacy through district manipulation [1][2] - The core issue is framed as a fight to protect democracy against those who would trade it for power, emphasizing the importance of collective action and resistance [3][8] - The redistricting efforts in Texas are described as a "rigged districtricting" and a "pole tax," designed to discriminate against Black and Brown voters [6][7] - Concerns are raised that the actions in Texas could set a precedent for other states and the entire country, highlighting the national implications of the issue [7] - The speakers emphasize the need to stand up for the right to vote, which people have died for, and to keep democracy in place [8] Political Landscape & Accusations - The speakers accuse Donald Trump and his allies of trying to rig the system by changing the rules and shutting voters out of the process [43][44] - There are accusations that the redistricting is racially motivated, with specific examples of districts being packed with African-Americans and economic engines being removed [49][51] - Missouri representatives claim that Donald Trump drew maps in Washington D C and sent them to Texas and Missouri [19][20] - The representatives from North Carolina highlight the dangers of partisan gerrymandering, citing their own state's experience where Republicans have a disproportionate number of seats despite Democrats receiving more votes [34][36][37] Call to Action & Support - The speakers call for unity and support for the Texas legislators who are fighting against the redistricting efforts, emphasizing that they are not alone [3][4][11][15][39] - The representatives from other states express their solidarity with Texas and pledge to fight against similar efforts in their own states [18][22][23][39] - The speakers urge the media to change their narrative and accurately portray the situation in Texas, emphasizing that it is not just about partisan politics but about racial discrimination [49][62] - The Texas state representatives get paid $600 per month and are being fined $500 per day, highlighting the financial sacrifices they are making [61]
‘The people own those seats’: TX Dem rejects Trump claim that he's ‘entitled’ to more GOP districts
MSNBC· 2025-08-06 01:24
Political Landscape & Democratic Strategy - The analysis suggests a concern that Donald Trump is attempting to manipulate election rules and undermine democratic processes [1][3][6] - The report highlights the importance of mobilizing national support to counter perceived threats to democracy [2][11] - The document emphasizes the need for a more assertive Democratic party to combat Trump's actions [14] - The analysis points to Texas as a potential blueprint for broader national strategies and concerns regarding voter suppression [3][12] Allegations Against Donald Trump - The report accuses Donald Trump of pursuing a "racist, radical, and illegal redistricting scheme" to maintain political power [6] - The document alleges that Trump believes he is entitled to additional congressional seats in Texas [5] - The analysis references allegations of Trump seeking a $400 million bribe and engaging in corrupt crypto deals [5] Redistricting & Gerrymandering Concerns - The report expresses concern over gerrymandering and its potential impact on fair representation [7][8][10] - The analysis suggests a strategy of counter-redistricting in states like California, Maryland, and Washington to pressure Republicans [14] - The document highlights the importance of stopping the redistricting map in Texas [13] Texas Political Situation - The report mentions Governor Abbott's threat to remove Texas Democrats from office, sparking public reaction [10] - The analysis indicates that Texas Democrats broke quorum to buy time against the redistricting scheme [11][13] - The document suggests campaigning against Texas Republicans who prioritize Trump's agenda over the needs of Texas [12]
Texas redistricting gives Trump more seats by 'diluting' votes of communities of color: Rep. Casar
MSNBC· 2025-08-05 16:09
Voting Rights and Redistricting - The GOP plan for Texas would merge Congressman Casar's district with another [1] - The new map is alleged to violate the Voting Rights Act by diluting the votes of working-class communities and communities of color [2][3] - The redistricting tactic is seen as an attempt by Trump to rig the midterm election [4][5] - Current maps are already gerrymandered by 16 seats towards the Republicans [6] Proposed Solutions and Democratic Response - Calls for a federal bill like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to eliminate gerrymandering and reduce the influence of big money in politics [7] - Advocates for Democrats to fight back against voter suppression in states like Texas by pushing for redistricting in blue states [8] - Supports independent redistricting commissions nationwide to ensure fair rules [11] - Texas Democrats blocked the maps from going into effect this week [15][16]
Why Are Democratic State Legislators Leaving Texas?
Bloomberg Television· 2025-08-05 11:36
Political Strategy & Legal Challenges - Texas Democrats staged a quorum break to delay a vote on controversial legislation, acknowledging such breaks rarely alter ultimate legislative outcomes [1][2] - The Democrats aim to raise national awareness about alleged voter discrimination in Texas, accusing Republicans of intentionally discriminating against minority voters by manipulating congressional districts [3] - The Democrats anticipate the redistricting fight will ultimately be decided in the courts due to alleged violations of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 [10] Legislative Action & Executive Response - Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the arrest of Democratic lawmakers who left the state, accusing them of abandoning their duty [6] - Civil arrest warrants were issued for the absent Democrats, but these warrants hold no authority outside of Texas [7][8] - The Democrats intend to remain outside of Texas to prevent a quorum until the special legislative session concludes, but acknowledge the governor can call additional sessions [9] Voting Rights Act & Compliance - The Democrats assert that the Texas redistricting maps violate the Voting Rights Act of 1965, while claiming that maps in states like California and New York comply with the Act [4][5] - The core issue is whether states are adhering to the Voting Rights Act, with the Democrats alleging that Texas Republicans are not [5] Financial Implications & Political Messaging - The Democrats are not seeking external financial assistance to cover potential fines associated with breaking quorum [11][12][13] - The Democrats aim to elevate the fight to gain national attention and highlight what they perceive as attempts to seize power and evade accountability [11]
‘Existential crisis for democracy’: Former AG Eric Holder on TX gerrymander
MSNBC· 2025-08-05 02:25
Now, former Attorney General Eric Holder, he is the chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee and co-author of our unfinished march, the violent past, an imperiled future of the vote, a history, a crisis, a plan. >> General, that that book is aptly titled uh the march continues for sure. And you know, I'm looking at this moment and would love to get your assessment um uh at the ground level because my attitude is right now, to be honest, Democrats, the more the marrier.I'd be breaking out ...
Fmr. AG Holder: 'It takes away from the people their ability to decide the direction of the country'
MSNBC· 2025-08-05 00:53
Voting Rights Act & Redistricting - The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is facing challenges, potentially weakening its protections against discrimination [1][16][17] - Texas Republicans are attempting to gerrymander districts to gain five additional seats in the 2026 election, a move seen as a national issue [3][4][5][6] - Democratic governors are considering redistricting plans to counter actions in Texas [7] - The National Democratic Redistricting Committee aims to combat gerrymandering, reducing the Democratic overperformance needed to reach 50% representation from 20-22% to approximately 1-2% [8] - Responsible and temporary measures may be necessary to combat gerrymandering and protect democracy [9][10] Justice Department & Epstein Case - Concerns are raised about the objectivity of the Justice Department, particularly regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case [25][26] - The transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower-security facility and the Deputy Attorney General's involvement are considered unusual and potentially unprecedented [23][24][27][30] - Allegations of attempts to deflect attention from the Epstein files by reviving the Russia gate conspiracy and targeting political opponents are made [32][33] Civil Rights Division - The Civil Rights Division is facing significant challenges, with 70% of its lawyers leaving and a shift in focus towards rooting out "anti-white and anti-Christian bias" [35][36] - Concerns are expressed about the fate of the Civil Rights Division and the enforcement of civil rights statutes under current leadership [37]
Doggett calls Texas redistricting map part of Trump plan to ‘win next year’s election this year’
MSNBC· 2025-08-03 17:34
Joining me now is Congressman Lloyd Dogget, Democrat of Texas. Congressman, thank you for joining us. Starting the night in Texas, where, as expected, just hours ago, the Texas House Redistricting Committee approved a new congressional district map drawn up by Republican lawmakers that targets Democratic held districts around three major cities.And in the southern part of the state, the map is Texas Republicans attempt to satisfy the president's desire to pick uh pick up five more GOP seats in Congress in n ...
'It's a red alert': Texas Rep. Casar on GOP redistricting scheme
MSNBC· 2025-08-02 22:13
[Applause] I'm here to say hell no to Trump taking over Texas. >> Democratic Congressman Greg Kazar was at the Texas state capital. You just saw him in that video where Republican state lawmakers began the process of approving new congressional maps demanded by President Trump.Trump appears to be worried, understandably, that his deeply unpopular policies will spark a Democratic wave in next year's midterm elections, which could swamp the Republicans narrow majority in the US House. So, even though Texas wa ...
Texas redistricting battle will determine whether Trump has a ‘check on his power’: State Rep.
MSNBC· 2025-07-31 17:39
Political Landscape & Redistricting - Republicans aim to gain up to five seats in the House in the next election through redistricting efforts [1] - Democrats are considering options to protest, including leaving the state to block the vote on redistricting [1] - The redistricting effort is viewed as an attempt to rig the midterm elections and violates the Voting Rights Act [2] - Texas Democrats view the fight against redistricting as crucial to checking Trump's power [3] - The manipulation of maps is seen as an effort to predetermine the outcome of the 2026 election [4] Democratic Strategy & Resistance - Democrats are employing various tools to fight back against redistricting, but specific strategies are not disclosed [5] - A quorum break was previously used to stop an anti-voter bill, leading to the removal of its worst provisions [5][6] - Fines of $500 per day for a quorum break have been discussed, along with legal questions about donor coverage [7] - Democrats consider the fines a worthwhile price to pay to protect representation [9] - Democrats accuse Republicans of prioritizing redistricting over urgent issues like flood relief [11][12]
X @The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-07-23 00:31
From @WSJopinion: Texas Republicans are exploiting a Democratic lawsuit and the Voting Rights Act to pad their chances of retaining their House majority in 2026 https://t.co/3CWmW1Akgq ...