After nearly two decades in Congress, Representative Al Green (TX-9) will soon leave office—not by retirement or scandal, but because his district no longer exists. In 2025, Texas Republicans redrew congressional maps, eliminating Green’s Houston-based 9th District along with several others. Democrats immediately cried racism, with Green comparing the GOP’s actions to segregationists of the past. But the historical record tells a different story.

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For decades, Democrats in Texas used racial gerrymandering to maintain political dominance. In 1991, under Governor Ann Richards, Democrats carved out majority-minority districts for the explicit purpose of keeping themselves in power. These maps were so racially skewed that the Supreme Court struck them down in Bush v. Vera (1996) as unconstitutional.

Now, with Republicans in charge, Democrats accuse them of the very same racial manipulation they once perfected. Yet, testimony from Senator Joan Huffman, chair of the redistricting committee, confirmed that race was not a factor in the current maps. Instead, the redraw addressed a different imbalance: the inclusion of illegal immigrants in population counts under the Biden administration.

When non-citizens are counted in congressional representation, it dilutes the votes of American citizens. Districts with large numbers of illegal immigrants gain disproportionate power, even though many residents cannot vote. This undermines the constitutional standard of “one person, one vote.”

Al Green’s district was one such district—overrepresented not because of its citizens, but because of its non-citizen population. Dissolving TX-9 restored fairness, ensuring that representation better reflects actual voters. Democrats’ accusations of racism ignore both history and constitutional principles.

For Christians, this moment offers perspective. Scripture warns against leaders who stir up division for personal gain. Al Green became known less for constructive legislation and more for political theatrics, including shouting down President Trump in Congress. His departure signals an opportunity for Texas to move forward with leaders more focused on serving their people than fueling outrage.

What do you think of Texas’ new congressional map? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

(Excerpt from the Gateway Pundit. Photo Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)