Abbott’s redistricting maps betray democracy
ANNA MONROE
OPINION EDITOR
@ANNA._.MONROE
Texas is already washed red, highlighting the Republicans’ dominance. With a new map in place, any plans of regaining equality amongst voters are dissolving.
From redistricting to gerrymandering
Every 10 years, a census is conducted in the U.S. and is used for population data. The most recent one happened in 2020. This data is then used by states to redraw the distinct lines. This is called redistricting, required by the Constitution. The purpose of this redistricting is to have nearly equal populations to avoid racial and ethnic voting discrimination.
With each redistricting process comes reapportionment of Congress. The House of Representatives has a fixed number of 435 seats, divided among congressional districts. However, because the constitution is so vague, this allows the rules of redistricting to bend. Gerrymandering is the strategic drawing of district boundaries to increase the likelihood of electoral success. While partisan gerrymandering is legal, racial gerrymandering is not. Lawmakers use certain tactics when creating new districts to gain a partisan advantage. “Packing” is used to confine voters of a particular party into a small number of districts. “Cracking” is used to spread voters across many districts to weaken their influence.
CAMPUS
Simplified Timeline:
2020: U.S. census conducted, redistricting data delayed by COVID-19 2021-22: redistricting data delivered, and congressional plans signed off by governor. 2023: Redistricting plans ratified.
May 2025: Courts review the maps again because of LULAC v. Abbott.
July 2025: Gov. Greg Abbott calls a special session to pass a new map.
Aug. 2025: Texas House Democrats leave state in protest.
Aug. 2025: New district map signed into law by Abbott.
Future
of Texas minorities
Republicans openly intend to create lines that will result in more wins for their party, with the governor posting on X with the signed map into law.
“This map ensures fairer representation in Congress,” said Abott. “Texas will be more RED in Congress.”
Although the results of the map contradict Abbott’s “fairer representation,” illegal tactics of racial gerrymandering ensue.
In an analysis of the map done by University of California, Los Angeles’ Voting Rights Project, Hispanic and Black voters are placed in districts where they are the
minority vote. This is where the tactic “cracking” is shown. Communities are being combined with rural areas, where the majority of Republican voters reside.
“Statistical models show Hispanic and Black voters are unified in their candidates of choice,” said the analysis. “But new maps place minority voters in districts where white bloc-vote against their candidates.”
The Black vote has been shifted, especially in the Houston area. Districts that once focused on urban areas will stretch north and east of the city. This will spread toward more rural areas with an overwhelming number of red votes.
This racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional, violating the Voting Rights Act.
Going forward with these redistricting maps is bluntly discriminatory.
Representatives across Texas are watching their districts fall victim.
“My district was a minority majority seat, and they’ve completely taken that all apart,” said Rep. Julie Johnson.
Johnson’s district included parts of Dallas County and Southern Collin County. Those major urban areas were highly diverse. Now, it covers rural areas with white majority voters.
Texas is failing the minorities of the state, leaving diverse voters behind. America loves to pride itself on democracy. Yet, the people are watching their democracy erode, one map at a time.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Finding a parking spot seems impossible at UH
NASHLY RAMIREZ STAFF WRITER
@NASHLYRAMIREZZ
Students returned to campus with construction on every corner due to major remodeling projects. This has made previous issues with parking more blatant. Parking passes are sold out, available spaces dry up and construction blocks existing zones.
With enrollment growing each semester, the lack of available spaces fails to accommodate the University’s commuter-heavy population. According to UH, about 85 percent of students are commuters, making parking one of the most in-demand resources. Construction has worsened the shortage, causing students to be late to class or skip altogether to avoid the headache.
Student concerns
Parking permits cost between $257 and $425 per semester, and are sold on a firstcome, first-served basis.
For now, many students are left weighing whether the high cost of parking permits is justified. Spaces are too limited; safety remains an issue and infrastructure is susceptible to damage.
Some students often aren’t informed about construction-related closures until the very last minute, leaving them scrambling. Although students were informed about the Centennial Project before construction began, many were blindsided when they returned to campus.
Students and staff were welcomed with fenced-off areas, parking lots under construction and detours all across UH. Some of these closures are located far north of the campus, away from the Centennial construction zones. Areas all over campus are being impacted, regardless of what UH claimed on its website.
The unexpected loss of spaces highlights a broader challenge. With enrollment rising each semester and demand outpacing supply, traditional parking alone may not be enough.
Alternative options include shuttle buses, METRO access and satellite lots. But the effectiveness of these substitutes remains an open question due to Houston’s lack of public transportation. Until the University addresses both the shortage of spaces and the broader safety and infrastructure concerns, the
parking crisis is likely to remain a source of frustration for students who rely on driving to campus.
With enrollment on the rise and construction projects continuing to reshape the campus, students want more transparency and reliable alternatives,
not just higher fees for fewer spaces. For now, the struggle to find safe and accessible parking remains one of the most pressing challenges of student life at UH.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Commuter cars fill one of the many parking lots on campus, Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/ The Cougar.
life and arts
ADVICE
April’s Angle: Back to school tips, how to make friends
APRIL BADMUS
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi! Welcome to another issue of April’s Angle! I’m April, a second year Political Science and Psychology double major. I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have any questions or need advice on any topic, I’m here to help!
Dressing for classes
Whether you are new to the Houston area or a native I’m sure by now you’ve experienced the sweltering Houston heat. Houston heat is no joke, especially when you’re juggling classes, walking across campus and trying to look put-together without melting. It is a huge change. especially for those coming from a cooler climate, but learning to dress for the weather and occasion will save you from sweating your look off. Fabric is everything when choosing an outfit, cotton and linen are your MVP’s. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester–which I know is difficult nowadays. Although the pressure to be a fashion mogul in college is ON, layer strategically not just aesthetically.
The paradox of freezing lecture halls and blazing heat is frustrating but making sure you’re prepared means layering light breathable clothes that can adjust to any circumstance.
Staying fresh
We all love smelling nice and fresh regardless of the time of day, but this can be difficult with the intense heat and the sweat it brings – I have some holy grail products that help me stay smelling like a field of roses all day long. Use fragrance oils! Oils are so
long lasting because they cling to your skin so when you mix that with a nice fragrance you can have an all day lasting scent. I love the Nemat brand ‘Egyptian Musk’ for layering. However, my top secret favorites that I should gatekeep but won’t are MIIM:MIIC oils and perfumes. Search it up and thank me later!
Making friends
The art of making friends is something I’ve discussed before, however I will never shut up about it because I truly believe everyone
deserves an amazing group of friends. Not only are you deserving but you are also capable of making the friends of your dreams. The key is intentionality – being open, showing up and taking small social risks consistently. Start where you already are, your dorm and classes – make an effort to say hi to the people you share a class with or your next door neighbor. You never know who’s going to turn out to be your favorite person.
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EDITORIAL BOARD
Minimize your reactions when dealing with money, health or legal matters, or when partnerships or joint ventures are involved. It’s essential to protect your reputation, finances and position. Be direct, ask questions and incorporate small but vital details into any agreement. Don’t be afraid to move forward on your own.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- The more you offer, the easier it is for others to take advantage of you. Know what you can do and how much you are willing to do for others. Don’t feel guilty for putting yourself first.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -Use your energy wisely. You’ll have plenty of outlets, but not all will bring the same return. Do the legwork, find out what works best for you and funnel your energy into giving your all.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You owe it to yourself to sign up for something that excites you. Mix business with pleasure, and you’ll find the right balance and connections to help you achieve your goals.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) -- You can achieve multiple gains if you prepare and organize ahead of time. Obtain firsthand information and fact-check information to avoid setbacks. Someone will take advantage of you if you let them.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- Use intelligence regarding money, health and legal matters. Partnerships will experience stress if excess and indulgence are allowed to interfere. Know when to say no.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
-- Have a plan that keeps you on the move and too busy for outsiders to interfere with your objective. Your best investment will be in something that boosts your confidence.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)
-- Take a backseat and observe. Don’t allow the changes others make tempt you to follow suit. Overextending yourself emotionally or financially will leave you at a loss.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
-- Embrace change and dance to the beat that resonates with you. Personal improvements will lead to growth and new possibilities. Those you meet along the way will play a crucial role in your success.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
-- Get moving. Idle time is the enemy, so don’t hesitate; do what your gut tells you to do
next. Home improvements will cost more than anticipated.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
-- You’ll crave change and excitement, and if you do your research and make plans, your desires will meet your expectations. Don’t believe everything you hear, and be sure to get offers in writing.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don’t get riled up; get moving. It’s how you react and what you achieve that counts. Put your emotions aside and distance yourself from anyone trying to get you to buy into their dream.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Avoid temptation. Overdoing it will be costly. Focus on looking and feeling your best, and use your intelligence to outmaneuver anyone trying to lead you astray.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.
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