On Friday, former Austin City Councilwoman Ellen Troxclair announced her intent to run for the proposed Texas House District 19 instead of Texas Senate District 24, which she has been running for since June.
Troxclair announced her candidacy for Senate in the wake of current State Sen. Dawn Buckingham (R–Lakeway) announcing her bid for Texas land commissioner.
Troxclair’s initial announcement came well before the proposed redistricting changes.
When the proposed redistricting map for Texas Senate district boundaries was made public, it became obvious that the proposed boundaries for Senate District 24 no longer included Troxclair’s residence. If the new boundaries are approved, she would be unable to run for the position.
Notably, the proposed boundaries made efforts instead to incorporate the residence of former State Sen. Pete Flores, who had formerly represented Senate District 19. Shortly thereafter, Flores announced his candidacy for the position, bolstered by notable endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
In Troxclair’s announcement for the Texas House, she said, “The redistricting process has brought unexpected changes that makes a run for the Senate no longer possible. Still, I have continued to have faith in God’s plan and timing, standing ready to do my part to Keep Texas Red.”
Texas House District 19
In the current House boundaries, Texas House District 19 is located in East Texas and is currently represented by State Rep. James White (R–Hillister). He announced his candidacy for Texas agriculture commissioner at the end of June, challenging current Commissioner Sid Miller (R).
In the proposed House redistricting map, House District 19 is moved to Central Texas and would encompass all of Kendall and Gillespie counties, currently in House District 73 represented by State Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R–Fredericksburg); Blanco County, currently in House District 45 represented by State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D–Driftwood); Burnet County (currently in House District 20 represented by State Rep. Terry Wilson (R–Marble Falls); and the western portion of Travis County (where Troxclair resides), currently in House District 47 represented by State Rep. Vikki Goodwin (D–Austin).
What Does it All Mean?
Neither the proposed Senate nor House redistricting maps have received final approval; as such, they will likely be subjected to changes. It is unclear whether any of those changes will impact either the proposed boundaries for Senate District 24 or House District 19.
The Legislature is charged with finalizing the decennial redistricting maps as a part of the ongoing third special legislative session agenda prescribed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
The special session has the ability to last until October 19.
