Every 10 years following the release of new census data by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Texas Legislature must redraw the election map boundaries for Texas’ U.S. Congressional, State House, State Senate, and State Board of Education districts.

The maps are redrawn to reflect population growth or decline and other demographic changes and are done in order to guarantee equal voter representation.

During the 86th Legislative Session, I had the opportunity to be part of the House Committee on Redistricting and was able to travel all across the state to receive input from Texas citizens regarding the redistricting process. These hearings are held prior to census data being released to assist the legislature in making redistricting decisions. Hearings regarding the process were held well into the most recent session to give us a better idea of what our new districts should look like.

As a result of the pandemic, the new census data was delayed and not released until after the conclusion of the regular 87th Legislative Session, so we were called back in September for a third special session to get the job done. During the third called special

During the third called special session, the legislature passed the four redistricting measures, House Bill 1, Senate Bill 4, Senate Bill 6, and Senate Bill 7. These four pieces of legislation modified the composition of State House districts, State Senate districts, U.S. Congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts respectively.

Our current seven-county House district, which includes the counties of Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Grimes, Fayette, Lavaca, and Washington has been divvied up between several existing districts. Austin County will now be in House District 85. HD 85 will encompass the counties of Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Waller, Wharton, and a portion of Fort Bend. Austin County will remain in State Senate District 18, U.S. Congressional District 10, and State Board of Education District 10.

As you may be aware, I will not be seeking re-election to serve another term as State Representative. While Austin County will be in a completely new House district, I will continue to serve as your representative until the conclusion of my term and I will do so with the same enthusiasm and dedication I have had since day one.

Remember that when you vote in a few weeks, you will be voting for your new House district representative for the 88th Legislative Session. New district boundaries will be used for the first time during the primary election, which will take place March 1. Early voting for the primaries begins Feb. 14 and goes until Feb. 25. Potential primary runoff elections will take place May 24 with the general election being scheduled for Nov. 8.

Representative Ben Leman is the State Representative for House District 13 which includes Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lavaca, and Washington counties.