Most Fort Bend County residents will soon find themselves in a new county precinct, after officials voted to approve new precinct maps at a Nov. 5 meeting. Redistricting, a process that usually takes place after U.S. Census data indicates populations changes, will lead to almost all of Fort Bend County seeing a shift in both statewide and local representation—as the move comes just days after Gov. Greg Abbott signed new congressional, senatorial, and representative districts into law.
Fort Bend County Commissioners approved significant changes to all four precincts. Precinct 1, led by Commissioner Vincent Morales, currently serves the largest portion of the county, extending from south of the Katy area to the southern most part of the county. In the new maps, Precinct 1 will serve the Katy-area. Precinct 2, led by Commissioner Grady Prestage, will increase its spread over the county, going from serving more urban areas in the northeast portion of the county to extending along Fort Bend County's eastern-most boundary. Precinct 3, which is led by Commissioner Andy Meyers and currently serves the Katy area, will move to the Sugar Land and Missouri City areas. Precinct 4, which currently serves the Sugar Land and Missouri City areas and is led by Ken DeMerchant, will shift to covering the Rosenberg and Richmond areas. An amended map was not yet available as of press time.
“We listened to the concerns of the public over these past several weeks and the desire for more equitable representation. The map I presented best represents the county and is reflective of the growth and changes in our community,” said Fort Bend County Judge KP George. “This is historic, we set out to achieve proportional, fair, and equitable representation for all Fort Bend County residents. The approved map is the consensus of all voices and brings everyone together.”
The approval comes on the heels of Harris County officials making similar changes to its own precincts on Oct. 28. Harris County commissioners voted 3-2, with Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey dissenting, in favor of a map proposed by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. The new map will essentially transpose Precincts 3 and 4 in Harris County—switching most of the constituents for Commissioner Ramsey’s Precinct 3 into Precinct 4 and moving most Precinct 4 residents into Precinct 3.
