Commissioner Simmons' Statement on Tarrant County Mayors’ Letter Opposing Redistricting

I commend the ten mayors of Tarrant County who have taken a reasonable and courageous stand in opposing the mid-decade redistricting efforts being pushed by Judge Tim O’Hare and his allies on the Commissioners Court.

Their unity letter reflects what so many residents already understand: this process is not only legally questionable and morally wrong—it is fiscally irresponsible.

Redrawing county lines using outdated 2020 census data, without proper analysis or public input, is an act of intentional discrimination. The current map with the existing district boundaries was reaffirmed as legal just four years ago. The next time the redistricting process should be undertaken is after the 2030 census count.

These proposed maps are designed to disenfranchise minority communities and further erode trust in local government.

But the damage doesn’t stop there. This unnecessary redistricting effort will also come at a high cost to Tarrant County taxpayers. Legal challenges are already looming, and the price of defending an indefensible process will be paid by the public, not by those responsible for creating this crisis.

The mayors are right to speak out. This is not just a minority issue, it’s a community issue. It’s an attack on our values, on good governance, and on the wallets of hardworking families across our county.

I stand with these mayors and with every resident who expects reasonable leadership, equity, fairness, and fiscal responsibility from their elected officials. We all deserve better.