Austin Democrat Greg Casar Announces Reelection Bid Under GOP-Proposed Map

​​U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) declared on Monday his intention to run for reelection to Congress, despite Texas Republicans moving forward with a redistricting map that may alter the boundaries of his district.

Casar, serving Texas’s 35th Congressional District since 2023, shared his announcement via social media. “Donald Trump and Greg Abbott are not in favor of someone like me serving in Congress because my career didn’t begin in the courtroom or the corporate world,” Casar stated. “They are trying to silence me in Congress because they fear our voices will be amplified.” However, we have no plans to leave.

A former member of the Austin City Council, Casar leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus and has established himself as a prominent progressive advocate for Central Texas. He has garnered support from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Austin Councilmember Chito Vela, and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin). Officials from the Austin Community College Board of Trustees, along with other Democratic leaders, have expressed their commitment to support.

His campaign announcement arrives amid Texas Republicans advancing a redistricting proposal aimed at establishing five new districts that favor the Republican Party across the state. With the latest map in place, Casar’s existing 35th District may be transformed into District 37, which could change the constituency he serves.

The Texas Senate has approved the redistricting measure, which is pending the signature of Gov. Greg Abbott. President Donald Trump has endorsed the proposal.

In the state, there has been significant opposition from Democrats regarding the redistricting plan, which they describe as an apparent effort to undermine the voting power of minority groups. On August 3, over 50 Democratic members of the Texas House departed the state to disrupt quorum in opposition to the initiatives led by Republicans.

Casar, staying in Texas, participated in a demonstration alongside U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) to protest the map. “This map is currently being used to undermine the voting rights of Black and brown Austinites,” Casar stated during the protest.

If the map is put into action, Casar’s reelection campaign may emerge as one of the most scrutinized congressional contests in the state, with progressives aiming to preserve their influence amid a changing political environment.

Casar’s announcement indicates his determination to challenge Republican-led redistricting both legally and publicly, positioning his campaign within a larger struggle for voting rights and representation in Texas.

‍