You knew republicans wouldn't let the Valley get a new Texas House seat

The dean of the Rio Grande Valley legislative delegation says it is morally wrong that the region is not being rewarded with an extra Texas House seat given its explosive population growth.

House Bill 150, the Texas House redistricting plan drawn by Republican leaders, keeps the number of House seats anchored in Cameron and Hidalgo counties at six. State Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, believes population growth in the Valley’s largest two counties is such that seven House seats are warranted.

“It is real clear that between Hidalgo and Cameron County, the Republicans could have created one new Texas House seat and it is an abomination that the people of the Valley are not getting that seventh seat,” Oliveira said.