The move comes after a February letter stated 37 of the county’s 174 voter precincts didn’t meet state population requirements for voter precincts, which cannot have fewer than 100 or more than 5,000 voters.
In May, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers also alleged the 2021 map was drawn based on race, which would violate the Voting Rights Act.
“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.
What happened?
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, except Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace, committee Chair Jacob Lee said.
According to agenda documents, several cities will also see changes, including:
- Rosenberg will now be split between Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales, Meyers and McCoy.
- Kendleton and the surrounding area are now in Precinct 1.
- Needville and most of Fairchilds are now in Precinct 3.
However, Prestage and McCoy said the county could be subject to lawsuits resulting from the redistricting.
The timeline
Here's what the redistricting process has looked like since the 2021 maps were approved:
- November 2021: Commissioner approve maps
- January 2022: Precinct maps become effective
- February 2025: State Rep. Matt Morgan, R-Richmond, send compliance letter to Fort Bend County
- July 8: Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee created
- July 22: CRAC committee members appointed
- Aug. 26: CRAC committee finalized
- Sept. 29: CRAC send five maps for Commissioners Court review
- Oct. 13: Commissioners Court approves new map
The map also adds more developable land within three commissioner precincts, including Precinct 1. Meyers said the land could help bring jobs and diversify the area’s tax base, which is approximately 75% funded by homeowners.
“My goal for Precinct 3 and Fort Bend County is to work with our communities to increase the size and number of work centers that help reduce the tax burden on residential homeowners, while accommodating growth in a fiscally responsible way,” he said in an email.
Additionally, the new maps correct the county’s voter precincts—which are smaller precincts of voter registration units within commissioner precincts—that did not meet state requirements.
Oct. 1 data from the county’s election administration office showed 38 of 174 voter precincts weren’t in compliance with the precinct’s population requirements. Of those, 33 are over the 5,000-voter threshold—including voter precincts with as many as 20,239 registered voters.
Meanwhile, five precincts have less than the state-required minimum of 100 registered voters, including two with zero voters.
“To uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure compliance with state law, it is imperative that the Commissioners Court take immediate action to address these deficiencies,” he said in the letter.
What they're saying
- Today’s action [and] decision also more fairly reflects the political makeup of Fort Bend County voters—roughly 50% Republican and 50% Democrat.” —Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Precinct 3 commissioner
- “I know not everyone will agree, and that’s okay. There are so many opinions out there, and I supported a process with public involvement ... Real leadership isn’t about taking the easy vote; it’s about standing up for what’s fair and what’s right for our county.” —Vincent Morales, Fort Bend County Precinct 1 commissioner
- “I voted against these maps because I believe in honest, transparent policies that reflect the people. Moving forward, I will continue to fight for accountability and equity for every resident of Fort Bend County.” —Dexter McCoy, Fort Bend County Precinct 4 commissioner
Several key Fort Bend County offices are up for election in 2026 under the new map, including county judge, Precinct 2 and 4 commissioners, county clerk, district attorney and district clerk, according to the county’s website.
Other seats include multiple County Court at Law, District Judge and Justice of the Peace seats.
“Elections will still be conducted in the same manner and, since [the county] participates in countywide polling places, voters can cast ballots in ... polling places they are familiar with,” Elections Administrator John Oldham said in an email.
Redistricting will be a focus in Fort Bend County again following the 2030 U.S. Census, when drawing new maps is mandatory.
Key 2026 election dates
- Nov. 8: Election filing opens
- Dec. 8: Election filing closes
- Feb. 2, 2026: Primary election voter registration deadline
- Feb. 17-27: Primary election early voting period
- March 3: Primary election day
- Oct. 5: Uniform election voter registration deadline
- Oct. 19-30: Uniform election early voting period
- Nov. 3: Uniform Election Day
