New Congressional seat in Dallas continues to lure fresh political hopefuls

In the political landscape of Texas, a significant shift is on the horizon as several potential candidates are eyeing the 33rd Congressional District. This district, currently projected to turn Republican, has sparked a flurry of activity due to its new demographic composition and the potential for an open seat.

Congresswoman Johnson, whose home is now within the boundaries of the 33rd District, has expressed interest in running for this seat. With her current district projected to turn Republican, she sees an opportunity to continue serving her constituents in a district that aligns more closely with her political beliefs.

Another potential candidate is Domingo Garcia, the former LULAC National President, Dallas City Council Member, and State Representative. Garcia, who resides within the 33rd District, has announced that he will strongly consider running in the primary for the seat if the new maps are upheld.

Marc Veasey, the current Congressman for the 33rd District, is also weighing his options for the mid-term elections. However, his home will now be outside the district's boundaries under the new map, as the district no longer includes Tarrant County. If Veasey decides not to run for the 33rd District, Johnson has stated that she will strongly consider running.

Julie Johnson, another potential candidate, does not reside in the 33rd District. However, she represents the largest stake of the new 33rd Congressional District, as her current district under the new map will extend to East Texas.

The new Texas Republican maps are projected to give their party five additional seats across the state. However, these maps have not gone unchallenged. Democrats and other groups, including LULAC, have sued the state, alleging that the new districts violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and do not provide adequate representation to black and brown communities.

Several voting rights advocacy groups, including the Texas Civil Rights Project and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, as well as individual plaintiffs representing Black and Latino communities, have announced their involvement in legal challenges against the new Texas congressional districts, particularly targeting the 33rd district. A three-judge panel at federal court in El Paso will hold a hearing on the new maps starting October 1.

The 33rd Congressional district, under the newly approved Texas Republican maps, will now be solely in Dallas County and have a majority of Latinos. If the current candidates do not run, this district is expected to become an open seat.

Congresswoman Crockett, who currently represents the 30th Congressional District, has also expressed interest in running in the 33rd District. Her current district, under the new map, includes a larger part of Tarrant County and will include a majority of African Americans.

In a notable development, Johnson has stated that she would not challenge Veasey in a primary, indicating a potential for cooperation among the potential candidates. The race for the 33rd Congressional District promises to be a closely watched contest in the upcoming elections.