The move comes after a February letter from State Rep. Matt Morgan, R-Richmond, stated 38 of the county’s 174 voter precincts didn’t meet state population requirements. The state requires counties with a population of over 100,000 to contain no fewer than 100 registered voters and no more than 5,000 voters in each precinct.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers also alleged at a May 27 meeting that the 2021 map was drawn based on race, which would violate the Voting Rights Act.
Zooming in
The new map was one of five submitted to the court by the Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee and keeps all elected officials within their districts, but will displace the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace office, CRAC Chair Jacob Lee said.
According to agenda documents, the map also moves several rural parts of the county from Democratic to Republican precincts. Several cities will also see changes, including:
- Rosenberg will now be split between Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales, Meyers and McCoy. It was previously solely in Precinct 4.
- Kendleton and the surrounding area are now in Precinct 1. It was previously in Precinct 4.
- Needville and most of Fairchilds are now in Precinct 3. They were previously represented by Prestage.
Based on previous voter trends, the map strengthens the projected Democratic vote in Precincts 2 and 4, keeps Precinct 1 strongly Republican and flips the lean in Precinct 3 from Democrat to Republican, according to agenda documents.
“The maps presented today—unlike those in 2021—were shaped with full transparency, no added costs, and with the people’s voice at the center,” County Judge KP George said in an Oct. 13 statement. “This process wasn’t about power—it was about people.”
What they’re saying
In Oct. 13 statements, George, Morales and Meyers praised the new map, with Morales calling it an “honest representation” of the county.
“Today, Commissioners Court took action to correct what had been a flawed process that resulted in an illegal map that did not meet state and federal statutes,” Meyers said in an Oct. 13 statement. “Today’s action [and] decision also more fairly reflects the political makeup of Fort Bend County voters—roughly 50% Republican and 50% Democrat.”
However, both Prestage and McCoy voiced concerns about the maps and possible repercussions of redistricting, including potential litigation against the county, at press conferences after the Oct. 13 meeting.
“I voted against these maps because I believe in honest, transparent policies that reflect the people,” McCoy said in an Oct. 13 statement. “Moving forward, I will continue to fight for accountability and equity for every resident of Fort Bend County.”
What’s next?
Redistricting will be in the limelight in Fort Bend County again following the 2030 U.S. Census, when drawing new maps is mandatory.
