New Texas Map Stretches District 32 From Urban Dallas to Rural East
Voters in the redrawn district cite cost of living, security, and water rights as top concerns during early voting.
By Nikolai Patterson ·
Texas lawmakers redrew the state's congressional map just over a year ago to create more Republican-leaning districts. The new boundaries are being used for the November midterm elections, and early voting is currently underway.
District 32 in North Texas is one of five districts Republicans targeted for a flip. The area was previously Democratic and centered in Dallas and its northern suburbs. The new map retains a small portion of Dallas County but extends the district eastward into rural Upshur County. The district is expected to vote Republican on Election Day.
Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at SMU, noted the physical scale of the change. He stated that driving the district reveals a demographic, cultural, and political shift.
Rev. Bryant Phelps, senior pastor at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, said the redistricting erased the voices of diverse constituents. He noted that Black and Asian American voters in the area now feel their choices have been taken away.
TJ Callaway, a Garland resident, highlighted the logistical challenges of the new boundaries. He said a district office located in Richardson would require a two-hour drive for a resident of Gilmer. Callaway added that while urban and rural voters share concerns about costs, their solutions often differ.
CBS News Texas surveyed voters randomly in Garland, Rockwall, and Gilmer. Many residents were unaware the district had recently changed shape. In Garland, Charles Robb cited rising prices for everything. Suad Bahsoon mentioned security and high rent as primary worries.
In Rockwall, Missy Wadham named security as a key concern, expressing respect for the local police department. Another Rockwall voter believed the city shares more commonalities with East Texas than with the Dallas area. In Gilmer, a town of approximately 5,000 people, voters prioritized affordability, conservative values, and water rights. Janice East expressed concern that data centers are consuming local water. Justin Farmer noted an influx of new residents from larger cities, stating the town welcomes growth as long as newcomers do not run for politics.
