Texas Democrats are facing a significant challenge as Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar, both Democrats, prepare for a showdown after Republicans propose a new Congressional map that pits two incumbents against each other.
This proposed map allows Texas Republicans to create five congressional seats that combine two Democrats into a single district in the Austin area. The matchup will see the 78-year-old Doggett, who previously backed Biden’s presidential bid, facing off against 36-year-old Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
In what many Democrats are calling a cynical maneuver, Doggett has encouraged Casar to run in the recently reconfigured District 35. This move has been interpreted by Texas Democrats as Doggett surrendering in the ongoing redistricting battle before the new map is officially ratified by the state legislature.
Additionally, there are concerns among Democrats that this primary only serves Republican interests and that they should conserve resources for broader efforts in the upcoming year.
In a recent interview, Doggett challenged Casar to justify why he should be ousted and why he is effectively giving the district to Trump.
“It’s truly unfortunate to divide Democrats when unity against Trump is essential,” Doggett remarked. “Yet, I don’t think this needs to escalate into a very negative contest.”
However, when asked about his plans for the $6.2 million in campaign funds he has accumulated, Doggett emphasized his intent to use those resources for his reelection, if necessary.
Earlier this week, Doggett emailed his supporters claiming that the new District 35 would be centered around San Antonio, not Austin, suggesting that Casar could strengthen connections with the 57% Hispanic population there.
Contrastingly, in an email to Casar’s supporters that was obtained by The Hill, his Chief of Staff, Stephanie Tolin, stated that their current priority is to challenge the map and support state legislators in resisting the Republican plan, while also noting that Doggett sent communications to supporters without prior discussion with Casar or his team.
Tolin pointed out that there’s no logical reason for Casar to switch districts, especially as Republicans seem to have arbitrarily assigned this seat to him. She indicated that the merged District 37, which includes Casar’s current area, comprises nearly 250,000 constituents from his city council days.
At present, Casar serves Texas’s 35th Congressional District, which includes parts of both the San Antonio Metro area and Austin. Doggett represents District 37, covering Austin and much of its suburbs.
Under the new map, the 37th District is projected to lean more Democratic, while the revamped 35th District may adopt a more conservative stance, incorporating less than 10% of Casar’s current constituents. The new District 37 is expected to draw about two-thirds of Doggett’s current constituents, alongside segments from Casar’s previous areas.
Supporters of Casar also highlight that Doggett has spent three decades in Congress, representing several districts throughout his career.
Veteran Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha has raised concerns that Doggett’s push for Casar to shift districts reflects a desire to eliminate competition for younger candidates in future elections.
“After what we’ve witnessed in recent elections, many candidates are left feeling frustrated and uncertain about how to pave the way for the next generation,” Rocha remarked.
These sentiments resonate deeply as Democrats grapple with concerns surrounding the age of their leadership, especially following a wave of resignations and losses within the party.
Democratic activist David Hogg expressed the need for fresh leadership, urging Doggett to consider stepping aside. “Greg Casar is 36; Lloyd Doggett is 78. It’s time for Lloyd to take his own advice and pass the torch rather than undermine a rising star within the Congressional Progressive Caucus,” Hogg stated.
Doggett, for his part, insists that his critiques of Biden’s 2024 campaign aren’t about age but rather about strategic missteps and debates surrounding Trump.
“Many were overly focused on their ambitions and frustrated with the establishment rather than the core issues,” he explained. “I believe my experience grants me the perspective to challenge power truthfully, even within my own party.”
He also maintains that the new District 35 could offer Casar valuable opportunities due to its sizable Latino population, suggesting this is a district where Casar can thrive.
Yet, Casar’s supporters in Latino communities, alongside the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, are prepared to advocate for him. One strategist mentioned that Casar’s relocation from Austin to pursue another district is both humiliating and unwarranted. They argue Doggett should stand against gerrymandering rather than urge a prominent progressive Latino to abandon his community.
Rocha noted that the topic is generating significant discussion among Latino leaders. “There appears to be nearly universal support for Casar,” he concluded.
