What this is
Every ten years, following the census, district lines get redrawn across the country.
What redistricting is
Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census, political district boundaries are redrawn to reflect population changes. This affects who represents you at every level — Congress, Texas Legislature, Harris County Commissioners Court, Houston City Council, and school boards.
The last redistricting used the 2020 Census. The next will follow the 2030 Census.
Why it matters to you
When lines move, your representative can change overnight — even if you did not move. You could end up in a new Congressional district, a new Council district, or a new Commissioner precinct. Different representative, different priorities, different responsiveness to your neighborhood.
Redistricting also determines whether communities are kept together or split apart. A neighborhood that is divided across three Council districts has less political power than one that is whole within a single district.
Who draws the lines in Harris County
LevelWho draws the map
U.S. CongressTexas Legislature
Texas Senate & HouseTexas Legislature (or Legislative Redistricting Board if Legislature fails)
Harris County Commissioners CourtCommissioners Court (the 4 commissioners + County Judge)
Houston City CouncilCity Council
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HISD Board of TrusteesHISD Board
Texas does not have an independent redistricting commission. The officials who benefit from the maps are the ones drawing them. This is why public participation is critical.
How to participate
Attend public hearings. Before new maps are finalized, each body is required to hold public hearings. Testify about keeping your community together.
Submit written comments. Most redistricting processes accept written testimony. Describe your "community of interest" — the neighborhoods, organizations, and institutions that tie your area together.
Review proposed maps. Maps are published online before final votes. Look at where your neighborhood falls. Check whether your community is split.
Contact your representative. Tell them what matters to you in the redistricting process before the maps are drawn.
Legal rules for redistricting
Equal population: Districts must have roughly equal numbers of people.
Voting Rights Act: Maps cannot dilute the voting power of racial or language minority groups. Harris County has significant legal obligations under the VRA.
Contiguity: A district must be one connected piece — no islands.
No racial gerrymandering: Race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing lines (though it can be considered to comply with the VRA).
How to check your current districts
Houston City Council district: houstontx.gov/council
Harris County Commissioner precinct: harriscountytx.gov
Texas Legislature: wrm.capitol.texas.gov
U.S. Congress: congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Why it matters
This is part of Our Voice — civic life, elections, and accountability.
How to dig in
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read through to understand how it connects to the bigger picture.
- 3Get the guide using the button above.
By the numbers
Led byThe Change Lab
Counted from the Community Exchange connection graph.