In a move that could shift the political landscape of Texas, Rep. Lloyd Doggett has decided not to seek reelection for his Austin-based seat if a new Republican-drawn district map holds for the 2026 midterms. Doggett, a veteran figure in Texas politics, has navigated through numerous redistricting efforts by the GOP, maintaining his seat since first being elected to Congress in 1994. This time, however, Doggett has expressed his intent to step aside, leaving the deeply Democratic 37th Congressional District to Rep. Greg Casar, as reported by CBS Austin.
The proposed redistricting is a result of efforts pushed by Texas Republicans on behalf of former President Donald Trump, with the objective of securing additional GOP seats in the upcoming midterms. The new map has concentrated a majority of Austin's Democrats into a single district, essentially creating a blue stronghold and altering surrounding districts to lean favorably towards the GOP. The strategy has moved the 35th District to San Antonio's suburbs, a region that supported Trump by a 10-point margin in 2024, according to Yahoo News. Doggett, with a significant war chest, had not ruled out running in the new 35th District but has recently decided otherwise.
Before the decision was made public, speculation of a primary battle between Doggett and Casar had made waves among local Democratic circles, with some members suggesting Casar should consider running for the majority-Hispanic 35th Congressional District. Doggett echoed this sentiment in a statement, expressing his hope that his readiness for reelection would deter Casar from conceding his district to Trump. "I had hoped that my commitment to reelection under any circumstances would encourage Congressman Casar to not surrender his winnable district to Trump," Doggett remarked. Yet, Doggett has now conceded, preferring to focus his efforts on fighting Trump tyranny and serving Austin.
Doggett's departure is a significant change for Austin, marking the end of an era for a man who has been representing the city for over half a century. Casar, who will likely succeed Doggett in representing the 37th District, is positioned to build upon his career in a district that is overwhelmingly Democratic, having expressed gratitude for Doggett's guidance and mentorship. "Lloyd Doggett is an Austin institution. I've learned so much from him. I'm grateful to him. The fight for democracy continues," as detailed by Yahoo News. With Doggett's exit, Casar stands as a progressive beacon in Texas politics, all but assured a long tenure given the district's Democratic leanings.
The newly drawn map is expected to be signed into law soon, with challenges from Democratic-aligned organizations likely to follow swiftly. Amid these challenges, Doggett has indicated he would continue his congressional run if the "racially gerrymandered Trump map is rejected, as it should be." Meanwhile, Casar has not wasted time gathering support, securing endorsements from a wide array of Texas elected officials for his campaign for the 37th Congressional District, a move intended to unite Austin Democrats under a renewed political banner.
