Proposed Congressional Redistricting Will Put Angelina County In New District

Angelina County is just one east Texas county that will be affected by the redrawing of Texas Congressional district lines.  In fact, you won't believe the shape of the new district that will include Angelina County.

All states are redrawing their local, state and federal representation lines to reflect population growth and changes in population density as revealed in the 2010 Census.  Texas is gaining four new seats in Congress -- from 32 seats to 36 seats.

One new map that has been submitted puts Angelina County in the new House District 36.  It's shaped like a giant horse shoe, and it stretches from Orange and Jefferson County into east Texas and south again to the Houston area.

See for yourself.  Here's a link to the proposed map. It's interactive so you can zoom in on east Texas.

via PLANC125.

This map puts as many Republicans as possible in safe districts, including two incumbents elected in districts previously held by Democrats.  With the four new seats, the map is designed to elect 26 Republicans and 10 Democrats, and the Democrats are not happy with it.

via New congressional map sparks Dem lawsuits | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle.

The most far-reaching effect of this map is that it carves Angelina County out of Congressman Louis Gohmert's First Congressional District and puts it in the new House District 36, which will have no incumbent.

While it is drawn to help Republicans, both parties can be expected to make a serious run at winning it.