Texas Representative Brian Harrison (R-Midrothian) defended the state’s actions to redraw congressional maps during a CNN interview. He highlighted that other states, particularly those led by Democrats, have engaged in questionable gerrymandering practices.
“You even acknowledged it, as CNN’s Cate Lancolins noted—Texas is taking action instead of waiting for the next census,” he remarked.
“What we’re doing in Texas is legitimate,” he asserted.
Harrison pointed out that while it may be the privilege of others to criticize Texas, they should also explain the gerrymandering occurring in states like Illinois and California. “For example, Republicans receive only 17% of the seats in California despite garnering 40% of the votes. New York exhibits the same issue. We often overlook this kind of gerrymandering,” he noted.
He then mentioned that he had asked Lancolins to present edits and examples from CNN’s own reporting that highlighted gerrymandering efforts made by Democrats in 2021, including alterations in the congressional district aimed at disadvantaging former Senator Adam Kinzinger (R). A CNN segment featuring Anderson Cooper discussing gerrymandering in Illinois, Oregon, and Maryland was also recalled.
In response to the new congressional map, Texas Democrats fled to Illinois, preventing a quorum from being established.
A motion calling for the arrest of Texas Democrats who left the state advanced in the legislature on Monday, with a session planned to reconvene on Tuesday.
Harrison emphasized his enjoyment of confronting liberal media, adding, “As many Republicans shy away, I see it as an opportunity to highlight their hypocrisy.” He reiterated that the actions being taken in Texas are constitutional and lawful as validated by the Supreme Court.
In a related note, Harrison stated that the Texas House passed a motion to issue arrest warrants for the Democrats who abandoned their posts, with plans to resume discussions at the State Capitol shortly.
