Doggett Resigns Following Supreme Court Approval of New Texas Map

Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett has announced his retirement, concluding a distinguished nearly 50-year political career. The 79-year-old Democratic lawmaker stated that he will continue to work with urgency, despite stepping down from public office next year.

Background on Doggett’s Decision

In August, Doggett indicated he would not seek a 17th term if the new House map, drawn by Texas Republicans, was upheld. This map was created at the behest of former President Donald Trump and aimed to redraw five Democrat-held seats to favor the GOP. Notably, two districts in the Austin area were merged, potentially creating a primary race between Doggett and Greg Casar, a younger Democrat.

Judicial Developments

Last month, a panel of federal judges in Texas blocked the new map, citing it as a racial gerrymander. Following this ruling, Doggett, the longest-serving member of the Texas congressional delegation, suggested that his political career was far from over. He stated, “The reports of my death, politically, are greatly exaggerated,” in a social media video.

However, a significant development occurred when the Supreme Court allowed Texas to implement the GOP-drawn map. The Court found errors in the three-judge panel’s decision, permitting the controversial changes.

Political Implications

Doggett has criticized Trump’s push for mid-decade redistricting, describing it as a scheme to secure Republican seats ahead of the next midterm elections. He labeled these actions as attempts by Trump to gain unchecked power, stating, “More outrageous schemes will follow.”

A Career of Contributions

• Doggett began his career in 1973, winning a special election for the Texas Senate at age 26.
• He served as the Democratic nominee for Senate in 1984, but lost to Republican Phil Gramm.
• In 1988, he was elected to the Texas Supreme Court and later succeeded retiring Rep. J.J. Pickle in 1994.
• Doggett has held his position as a senior member of the Ways and Means and Budget committees, championing progressive issues for over three decades.
• He made headlines last year as the first Democratic House member to urge President Biden to reconsider his reelection bid.

Conclusion

Doggett’s retirement marks a significant shift, as he is the first Democrat among several Texas lawmakers choosing not to seek reelection. Other Texas Republicans, including Morgan Luttrell and Michael McCaul, have also announced their departures. As political landscapes shift, Texas will undoubtedly witness further developments leading up to the midterms.