Doggett Declines Re-election Bid if New District is Approved, Opening Door for Casar’s Opportunity

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a longtime representative of Austin, announced he won’t seek reelection if a new Republican-drawn map takes effect for the 2026 midterms. At 78, Doggett has spent over 50 years in public service, first in the Legislature and then in Congress since 1994. He managed to hold his ground despite many redistricting efforts aimed at diminishing the number of Democrats in Texas.

In this new chapter, he is passing his deep-blue 37th Congressional District on to Rep. Greg Casar, who currently represents a different district but lives in the area Doggett has served. The change underlines a strategic move by Texas Republicans, aiming to gain more seats by concentrating Democrats into fewer districts. This tactic mirrors a broader trend in partisan redistricting across the country. According to a recent analysis from the Brennan Center for Justice, gerrymandering may give one party an unfair advantage in nearly 30 state legislatures nationwide.

Doggett’s decision follows a complicated backdrop: Texas Republicans are reportedly reshaping districts at Trump’s urging, hoping to tilt elections in their favor. The new 35th District, shifted towards San Antonio, is expected to lean Republican, showcasing the ongoing tug-of-war in American politics.

Despite recent rumors of a primary challenge with Casar—who is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party—they’re both choosing to navigate this change without conflict. Doggett has publicly encouraged Casar to pursue the San Antonio seat instead, emphasizing unity among Democrats.

If the court challenges against the redrawn map succeed, Doggett might reconsider his stance and run in the 37th District. He remains committed to fighting against what he terms “Trump tyranny,” focusing on broader issues rather than intraparty rivalries.

His exit marks a significant moment for Austin’s political scene. With Casar poised to fill his shoes, he faces an electoral landscape that heavily favors Democrats and could lead to a lengthy career representing constituents who largely supported Biden in the last election.

In a gesture of respect, Casar acknowledged Doggett’s impact, expressing gratitude for his mentorship. The political dynamic continues to evolve, mirroring broader trends across the country as districts and their representatives adapt to shifting demographics and political landscapes.

As we look ahead, the upcoming elections will be crucial not just for Texas but for the entire nation, shaping how the political narrative unfolds in the years to come.



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