"Redistricting maps give county new representatives" by: Mike Reddell

   The Texas Legislature’s 2021 current redistricting maps put Matagorda County in new state representative, state senate and congressional districts.
   Under the new proposed maps, the county will now be in State Rep. Geanie Morrison’s District 30, in State Sen. Joan Huffman’s District 17, and U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls’ District 22.
   Serving her 12th term in office, Morrison’s district office is in Victoria.
   First elected to the State Senate in 2008, Huffman’s district office is in Houston.
   Former Fort Bend County Sheriff Nehls was sworn in as Congressman Jan. 3, 2021. His district office is in Richmond.
   “It seems we have turned very red and to ensure re-election we have been moved like pawns on a chess board,” said Mitch Thames, president of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.
Thames has closely watched and talked with state officials during the redistricting that came about after the 2020 Census.
   During the process, Thames talked to State Rep. Cody Vasut, whose district included Matagorda and south Brazoria counties before the 2021 redistricting map was presented.
   “He tried everything he could to keep Matagorda County with southern Brazoria County,” Thames said.
   “There has been too much growth in that county for us to remain,” Thames explained about the removal of Matagorda County from a district with Brazoria County.

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