The Texas Politics Project

Frost's old District 24 was redrawn by a now Republican controlled Texas legislature in 2003. Facing a no longer predominantly minority district, Frost instead sought re-election in neighboring District 32 against Republican incumbent Pete Sessions.

Martin Frost and others dismissed these Republican defenses as "simply a smokescreen."¹ They pointed out that the 1991 map was not designed to eliminate Republicans. Instead, they argued, it protected every GOP incumbent. Further, the Democrats argued, the map that was replaced in 2003 was not the one drawn in 1991, but the one drawn in 2001, considered to be much less oddly drawn and less partisan.

The various charges and countercharges suggest that redistricting in Texas has become almost a contact sport. This is really the inevitable result of the increased party competition in the state. Will redistricting continue to engender such bruising conflict in the future? Probably yes. This is because of several factors. The stakes are extremely high, nothing less than control of state government and the congressional delegation. Also, despite Republican gains, the Democrats have not yet withered away. They remain an important force. Finally, the growing minority population in the state will continue to shape the fortunes and direction of both parties.