Tarrant County Mayors Urge Delay in Redistricting Vote

The mayors of 10 cities in Tarrant County, including Fort Worth and Arlington, have signed a letter urging County Judge Tim O’Hare to “strongly consider” delaying a June 3 vote on redrawing voting precincts.

The letter, dated May 23, calls the county’s five proposed precinct maps flawed and in violation of state and federal law. The mayors ask O’Hare to put off redistricting until the county has more accurate, up-to-date demographic information — or, at minimum, “[takes the] time to scrutinize each of the proposed maps.”

Tarrant County commissioners are moving swiftly on redistricting, a process that typically takes six months to a year to conclude. They hired a consultant in April and received five proposed maps in May. A round of public meetings across the county drew hundreds of people who opposed the maps and have threatened legal action.

Concerns Over Redistricting

Among the chief concerns are that the maps are racially gerrymandered and that the process has been rushed in time for the 2026 election cycle, when O’Hare, Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons and Precinct 4 Commissioner Manny Ramirez’s seats are up for grabs. Ramirez, a Republican, has said race has played no role in the redistricting process.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said city attorneys and a third party looked into the legality of the redistricting and found “a whole gamut” of issues. Ross met with the nine other mayors to lay out the findings, ranging from Voting Rights Act violations to the use of outdated population data.

Mayors’ Letter and Reaction

Ross said he called O’Hare’s office to give him a heads up about the letter.

“I expressed that if they don’t pull it from the June 3 agenda, that myself and the other affected mayors intend to show up and voice our opposition in person about the redistricting attempts,” Ross told the Star-Telegram. “And his response was, ‘We’re not pulling anything. I guess I’ll see you on June 3.’”

Ross said he also called the other commissioners but did not say what their reaction was. Two of the five commissioners are Democrats and have voiced opposition to redistricting.

Commissioners’ Response

Simmons said in a statement to the Star-Telegram that she commends the mayors’ courage.

“Their unity letter reflects what so many residents already understand: this process is not only legally questionable and morally wrong — it is fiscally irresponsible,” Simmons said.

She said the redistricting should be undertaken after the 2030 census, and that the proposed maps are intentionally discriminatory. Simmons also said legal challenges “are looming” and that the price of the litigation will be paid for by the public, “not by those responsible.”

Tarrant County Mayors

In addition to Ross, the mayors who signed the letter are Mattie Parker of Fort Worth, Michael Evans of Mansfield, Laurie Bianco of Dalworthington Gardens, Stephanie Boardingham of Forest Hill, Russ Brewster of Pantego, Sammye Bartley of Edgecliff Village, Ron Jensen of Grand Prairie, Ray Richardson of Everman and An Truong of Haltom City.

Redistricting Process

Tarrant County began the redistricting process on April 2 when it hired Public Interest Legal Foundation to redraw the precinct lines. The county is represented by four precinct commissioners and one county judge, who serves Tarrant County as a whole.

About a month later, the law firm presented the five maps to the commissioners. Each was drawn by Adam Kincaid, executive director and president of National Republican Redistricting Trust, an organization that coordinates “the GOP’s 50-state redistricting effort.” Voting trend data shows that all of the proposed maps would favor Republicans.

Legal Concerns

The mayors’ letter said Kincaid’s maps are “flawed” in violation of the law.

“There is significant concern that the five proposed maps are not only contrary to provision in state law but could be subject to a legal challenge in the form of a lawsuit brought under the non-discrimination standard of Section 2 of the U.S. Voting Rights Act,” the letter reads.

Conclusion

The mayors of 10 cities in Tarrant County are urging County Judge Tim O’Hare to delay the June 3 vote on redrawing voting precincts, citing concerns over the proposed maps being flawed and in violation of state and federal law. The redistricting process has been rushed, and the mayors believe that it should be undertaken after the 2030 census. The proposed maps have been criticized for being racially gerrymandered and favoring Republicans.

FAQs

Q: What is redistricting?

A: Redistricting is the process of redrawing voting precincts to reflect changes in population.

Q: Why are the mayors of 10 cities in Tarrant County opposing the proposed maps?

A: The mayors believe that the proposed maps are flawed and in violation of state and federal law, and that the redistricting process has been rushed.

Q: What are the concerns over the proposed maps?

A: The proposed maps have been criticized for being racially gerrymandered, favoring Republicans, and using outdated population data.

Q: What is the next step in the redistricting process?

A: The Tarrant County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposed maps on June 3.

Q: What are the potential consequences of the proposed maps being implemented?

A: The proposed maps could lead to legal challenges and potentially favor Republicans in future elections.