In Texas, two prominent Democratic figures, U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Greg Casar, find themselves possibly heading towards a political rivalry. Both representatives have collaborated on multiple issues in the past but are now confronted with the implications of a contentious redistricting plan proposed by Republicans in the Texas Legislature.
Currently, Doggett and Casar represent neighboring districts in the Austin area. However, the partisan redraw of congressional boundaries suggests that the 37th Congressional District, currently held by Doggett, would become more Democratic, while the 35th Congressional District, which Casar occupies, would lean Republican. The proposed map, which has received backing from President Donald Trump, seeks to combine elements of both districts into one cohesive Austin-based area.
Despite their collaborative stance against the Republican plan for weeks, tension appears to have emerged. Doggett sent an email to his supporters suggesting that Casar should maintain his candidacy for the remapped District 35, implying a shift in political strategy. In this email, Doggett expressed hope that Casar would not abandon his reconfigured district, emphasizing Casar’s potential to appeal to disenchanted Hispanic voters.
Speaking on the email, Doggett remarked, “I only affirmed what I’ve been saying all along. I filed long ago, and I’m so fortunate to represent Austin, Texas.” He further elaborated on why Casar should remain in his district, despite the proposed changes: “He could play a really significant role in pushing back, not abandoning that district to Trump, but pushing back and reaching out, especially to disaffected Hispanics.”
Doggett’s comments reflect a complex situation for both Democrats. Many in the party hope that the proposed map will be overturned to circumvent an inevitable clash between two well-liked incumbents. According to Brian Smith, a political science professor at St. Edward’s University, any resulting primary fight would be intense, given that both Doggett and Casar are effective campaigners with similar ideologies.
With over 30 years in Congress, Doggett serves on the influential Ways and Means Committee, where he is currently the ranking member of the health subcommittee. His long tenure is a substantial asset, as he communicated to supporters. “Seniority is an asset, not liability… I believe that having experience in Congress blends well with the rest of our caucus,” he noted in his email.
In contrast, Casar, at 36 years old, has quickly risen in Democratic leadership, chairing the nearly 100-member Progressive Caucus after just three years in Congress. Before his congressional role, Casar spent seven years on the Austin City Council, building his political resume. This generational divide between Doggett and Casar is also under scrutiny, as age has become a growing concern in Congress.
Affecting the political narrative, Doggett drew national attention last summer when he was the first Democrat to advocate for President Joe Biden to reassess his candidacy for re-election. In discussing this, Doggett clarified, “I didn’t call for Bernie Sanders, who is five or six years older than me, to step aside… I only questioned President Biden, not based on his age, but on his performance in the debate.”
When pressed about his campaign financial resources, Doggett confirmed, “This will be a well-funded campaign… I’ll work to add more to it but also be using it, as I’ve done in the past, to reach out and support people all over the country.” He emphasized that his current focus is not just on his campaign but on connecting local voters in Austin with candidates nationwide to help reclaim the House for Democrats.
Conversely, Casar has emphasized the pressing issues facing voters over his political career ambitions. In a statement, he asserted, “I plan to run for reelection in Austin, but… the most important thing right now isn’t any one person’s political career. The most important thing is fighting Trump’s gerrymandering….”
Casar has been vocal against what he characterizes as an “illegally racially gerrymandered map” and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for his constituents. He argued, “This district is just a merger of our districts, and we are united in fighting against this illegal map.”
As the battle over congressional district lines unfolds, the rivalry between these two Democratic incumbents underscores the tension in the political landscape of Texas. With both Doggett and Casar having strong endorsements and community supports, their potential primary contest represents not just personal political stakes but the broader fight for representation amid contentious redistricting efforts.
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