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This graphic shows the current and proposed state senate districts. The maps have not yet been approved by the legislature. Illustration by Todd Kleiboer
Hughes authored abortion bill, election integrity
Proposed state senate districts released last Saturday suggest Hopkins County might see a new state senator come November 2022 if the map is approved at the end of the special session.
Under the proposal, Hopkins would fall into District 1, which is currently held by Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola. His district expands further west and also includes Delta and Fannin Counties under the proposal, which fell under Hall as well. His district is large and incorporates 16 counties, the largest of which is Smith County.
Hall’s district moves more southwest and would represent a majority of Ellis County, all of Navarro and a slice of Collin County. He would still represent Kaufman, Rockwall, Van Zandt and part of Dallas County.
Hunt and Rains County, formerly represented by Hall, would be a part of District 8, which is currently held by Angela Paxton, R-McKinney.
The political impact of adding Hopkins, Fannin and Delta to District 1 is very little for Hughes as the area typically votes heavily for Republican candidates, and Hughes has been in the spotlight statewide and nationally as two of his bills, the election integrity bill (SB 3) and abortion bill (SB 8), have been signed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Hall was listed as a primary author on SB 8, and he was a co-author on the SB 3.
The proposed map is already drawing fire, the Texas Tribune reports, but the criticism is mainly focused on larger populations centers like Houston and Dallas. The changes made to District 1 may have a good chance to stand as proposed.
Hughes started his tenure in the Texas Legislature in 2003 after he defeated Bob Glaze for the District 5 seat in East Texas. Hughes then won in 2015 his current set after Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, retired.
Hughes has been championing conservative priorities such as abortion legislation and protecting speech on social media platforms among others. Hall and Hughes align on a large majority of issues, and it should not come as political shock to the area.
The redistricting session this year will also redraw the state representative districts, US congressional districts and others. Counties will also be redrawing precinct lines for commissioners and constables.