Rep. Jasmine Crockett strongly criticized proposed redistricting maps in Texas, calling them a blatant attempt to undermine the political power of Black and minority communities.

“I have to make sure I don’t get in trouble back home in Texas,” Crockett said during a press conference. “Let me be really clear. These maps, racist. The fact that they are trying to silence Black and minority voters in a majority-minority state, racist. Pulling all of the economic engines out of certain districts, also racist. The bottom line is this is a Republican-led and racist attempt to make sure that we silence the voices of Black and Brown people.”

She emphasized the consequences of the proposed changes, pointing out that Texas is home to the largest Black population in the U.S., yet under the maps, Black Americans would only have meaningful representation in two districts.

“That means that it is approximately one-fifth the voting strength of their White Texan neighbors. That is what is going to be. Not three-fifths, but we are going to be reduced to one-fifth,” she stated.

Crockett argued that these efforts are designed to strip away hard-fought gains in healthcare access, fair employment, and education while attempting to marginalize Black women, who she noted are “the most educated demographic in this country.” She added, “They are trying to drown our voices out, but we will not be silenced. They’ve tried to bury us before, not knowing that we were seeds. We will grow and we will be resilient, just as we have time and time before”.

The congresswoman underscored the importance of unity in overcoming these challenges, reminding listeners of the progress made during the civil rights movement. “The final note that I’ll mark for you is I know what we can do when we just come together as a country, because as it’s been stated over and over, 60 years ago, we ended up with the Voting Rights Act.”

She continued, “And you know who signed that into law? A good Texan, LBJ. Texas can do better. Texas historically has done better. And so while we are fighting this in the courts, please believe. Just know that the fight that the people are going to put up in the state of Texas is going to be a big fight, no matter what happens, and we will win.”