Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census has been completed, congressional and state legislative districts are redrawn across the country in a process known as redistricting. However, districts are often “gerrymandered” by politicians, creating oddly-shaped districts that frequently don’t make any sense, all in an effort to keep their party in power.

As redistricting began a few months ago, the process in Texas received a lot of attention — with two new congressional districts due to population increases and a narrow Democratic majority in Congress, every seat counts.

“Swamp Stories” partnered with the Texas-based Sumners Foundation to dive into the competing perspectives about how redistricting could be more fairly and thoughtfully carried out. Although Texas’ map was drawn and signed into law since we recorded this episode, it’s chock full of great insights into the process — in Texas and across the country.

This episode was done in partnership with the Texas-based Sumners Foundation, which is focused on self-government and promoting the fundamental principles of democracy.
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Released on November 15, 2021

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