Texas Redistricting Map Sparks Potential Democratic Primary Clash
Introduction to the Issue
WASHINGTON – The Texas redistricting map Republicans unveiled this week would place U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett in the same district, setting up a potential Democratic primary clash between Austin-area incumbents that would highlight issues of age and seniority.
Doggett, 78, is the dean of the Texas congressional delegation who has served in the House for three decades. He’s a senior member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which is in charge of taxes, trade, Social Security and Medicare.
Casar, 36, is in his second term and viewed as one of the party’s rising stars. He’s chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and an outspoken member of the House Oversight Committee.
The Potential Primary Clash
Doggett gave no indication he was contemplating retirement during a Thursday appearance on CNN.
“I have already filed for reelection, but I think neither one of us are looking to that day,” Doggett said when asked about running against Casar. “We’re looking only to the day when we stop this plan, because if Republicans can divide us in this fight, they will prevail.”
Asked again about whether that means he would run against Casar, Doggett took issue with the question, saying the new district boundaries would include most of his current constituents.
“It’s not a matter of me running against him,” Doggett said. “I’m in District 37, two-thirds of my people are there. I filed for reelection. But we have set out a plan to work together, united, to fight this plan and whatever happens after this, we can take a look at it then.”
Response from Casar
In response to emailed questions about a potential primary contest with Doggett, Casar said in a statement that merging the 37th District with the 35th, which he represents, is illegal voter suppression.
“I am focused on fighting against Trump’s corrupt proposal and fighting for the basic rights of the everyday Texans,” Casar said.
Doggett and Casar joined other U.S. House Democrats from Texas at a Thursday news conference with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Casar said during the news conference Republicans have “mangled” many districts in the state.
“They’re trying to suppress the voices of voters of color by merging the majority parts of the 35th District and the 37th District here in Central Texas,” Casar said. “They aren’t doing something that has to do with myself or Congressman Doggett. No, they are trying to silence the voices of voters in Central Texas.”
Financial Advantage and District Boundaries
The map released this week is a starting point and could change as the proposal makes its way through the Legislature. Democrats have vowed to fight the plan on many fronts, from rallying public opposition to filing legal challenges if it is adopted.
If the two Austin Democrats face off in a primary, Doggett would start with the financial advantage. The most recent federal campaign finance reports show he has $6.2 million cash on hand, compared to Casar’s $451,000.
Casar is well known in the Austin area and the newly drawn 37th District would contain the area he represented for years on the Austin City Council.
Past Comments and Current Situation
Doggett is likely to be reminded of his words last summer, when he was the first Democrat in Congress to call for then-President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid after Biden’s halting debate performance against Donald Trump.
Doggett said at the time his call for Biden to step aside did not diminish the respect he held for Biden’s achievements.
“He has the opportunity to encourage a new generation of leaders from whom a nominee can be chosen to unite our country through an open, democratic process,” Doggett said then.
During his Thursday appearance on CNN, Doggett was asked whether it was similarly time for him to encourage a new generation of leaders.
Doggett said winning teams take advantage of the strengths of their members, whether that’s social media skills or the ability to fight back against the Trump administration through legislating.
“My concern about President Biden was he wasn’t up to the job,” Doggett said. “It was a question not of age, but of action. And I’m pleased to have my record evaluated.”
Conclusion
The potential primary clash between Doggett and Casar highlights the issues of age and seniority in the Democratic Party. The two representatives have different strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome of the primary will depend on various factors, including their campaign strategies and the preferences of their constituents.
The Texas redistricting map has sparked controversy and opposition from Democrats, who argue that it is an attempt to suppress the voices of voters of color. The map is likely to change as it makes its way through the Legislature, and Democrats have vowed to fight it on many fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the two Democrats involved in the potential primary clash?
A: The two Democrats are U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, both from the Austin area.
Q: What is the issue with the Texas redistricting map?
A: The map has been criticized for attempting to suppress the voices of voters of color by merging the majority parts of the 35th District and the 37th District in Central Texas.
Q: What is the financial situation of the two Democrats?
A: According to the most recent federal campaign finance reports, Doggett has $6.2 million cash on hand, compared to Casar’s $451,000.
Q: What has Doggett said about his potential primary clash with Casar?
A: Doggett has stated that he is focused on fighting against the Republican plan and has filed for reelection. He has also said that he and Casar are working together to fight the plan.
Q: What has Casar said about the potential primary clash?
A: Casar has stated that merging the 37th District with the 35th is illegal voter suppression and that he is focused on fighting against Trump’s corrupt proposal and fighting for the basic rights of everyday Texans.
