Local Reaction To Texas’ New House Seats

In the 10 years since the last census Texas has made some serious gains.

The U.S. population has grown to 308.7 million, reflecting the lowest growth since the Great Depression.

With much of the population shifting to the south and the west.

These numbers are used to divvy up congressional seats and Texas has gained four house seats, giving the state a bigger voting block on the national level.

“Texas is the biggest winner,” said UTEP Political Science Professor, Tony Payan.

Another winner: Republicans who recently took the house back from Democrats.

“The Republicans are going to try and have a handle on this and they’re going to try and redistrict those district maps in such a way that will favor the Republicans, ” said Payan.

Congressman Silvestre Reyes reacted to the numbers, saying, “Minorities make up a little more than 50 percent of the population, yet they only have actual influence in 10 out of 32 congressional districts. This clearly dilutes their voice in government.” 　

Texas – now at a population of 25 million – which is a 20.6 percent jump – will now be an even bigger player on the national level, with 38 electoral votes.

“Each state has a number of electoral votes equal to the congressional delegation, that means that the state of Texas will be the second largest share of the pie in the presidential election of 2012.,” said Payan.

In New Mexico, there’s now more than two million people, a 13.2 percent increase, but no additional seats.

Eight states are gaining seats in the house of representatives.

Texas leading the way among GOP-leaning states.

Ten states are losing seats, including New York and Ohio, losing two each…which could mean bad news for President Obama.

“President Obama might face a tougher electoral map in 2012, Republicans are going to have the upper hand, ” said Payan.

People responded to the 2010 census in historic numbers.

About 74 percent of households nationwide filled out and mailed back their census questionnaire.