Another Texas Redistricting Fight

The Texas Legislature drew the new congressional district map to protect Republican incumbents. However, the map may be in violation of the Voting Rights Act because it suppresses the opportunity for minority representation. Texas has gained four new seats in congress because of its population growth - 65% of which came from Hispanics. As a result a federal court in San Antonio has drawn their own map. This map could result in Democrats gaining up to four new seats. Here are the maps via the Houston Chronicle.

The fight is going to the Supreme Court and if not acted upon quickly will force the state to delay its April primary for a month or longer.

One person who seems to be having fun with this process is Texas Tribune illustrator Todd Wiseman. Here are some of his variations on a theme:

Map of the Week 122-Those Postcard Maps That You Love So Much

When I was a youngster we spent some time down in Houston where I picked up a postcard similar to this one, a Texas-sized ego trip for the locals. I probably still have the card buried under a pile of junk in the office but sometimes it's easier to find things online than under your junk. I recently discovered Card Cow and found a similar postcard in their maps section. Anyway if you're looking for one of those vintage map postcards there's lots of good stuff on their site.

By the way, I think my Texas card had a little extension to the Atlantic Ocean so they could border the US on 4 sides.

Also note the Colorado/Wyoming switcheroo-oh well who can tell those rectangles apart anyway?