North Texas senator called redistricting discriminatory. Now she’s dropping out of race
State Sen. Beverly Powell has ended her reelection campaign.
“Together, we accomplished many great things,” the Democrat said in a prepared statement. “And we were looking forward to continuing our service through a re-election campaign focused on higher education opportunities, stronger public schools, access to healthcare and workforce development. It has become clear, however, that my path to continuing this important work beyond my current term in office, will lie outside the walls of the Texas Senate.”
Powell will withdraw her name from the November ballot. Her exit means Texas Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, will be the only major party candidate on the ballot, setting up an all but certain victory.
Powell’s announcement comes after Senate District 10 was redrawn during the latest redistricting cycle to include rural counties outside Tarrant County. The new map, which went into effect Jan. 18, crosses into part of Parker and Tarrant counties and covers all of Johnson, Palo Pinto, Stephens, Shackelford, Callahan and Brown counties. Opponents of the new boundaries said the change dilutes the voices of Black, Latino and Asian voters.
Before now, the district was within Tarrant County, covering much of its southern and central portions, with an arm that reached into part of the county’s northeastern corner.
Powell and several Texas voters sued over the map in November, arguing the North Texas Senate district was drawn in a way that is racially discriminatory. A federal court in February sided with the state and declined to block the map from being used in the March primaries. The case and others with which it was consolidated are set for trial in September in El Paso.
In her Wednesday announcement, Powell said the new maps will remain in effect for at least the November election.
“This new map thwarts the election prospects for any candidate who relies on a diverse voter coalition,” Powell said. “Knowing this, I cannot in good faith ask the people of Texas to spend their time and hard-earned money on an unwinnable race.”
The district as previously drawn had been held by both Republicans and Democrats – former Sen. Konni Burton, a Republican, held the seat before Powell, and Democrat Wendy Davis before her. The new lines make it more likely to favor Republican candidates, according to election data from the Texas Legislative Council.
Despite the new boundaries that pose an uphill climb for Democrats seeking the Senate seat, Powell had said she was committed to seeking re-election. She didn’t receive a primary challenger and was set to face King in the November general election.
In a Dec. 9 statement, Powell called her filing to run “the clearest message I can send that I’m fully supporting the current legal efforts to enforce the Voting Rights Act, restore Senate District 10, and protect the rights of Tarrant County citizens who are under attack by their own state’s leadership.”
Powell said she and her staff will still be available to help constituents and will work with lawmakers and others to daft and promote legislation through the remainder of her term.
Powell was first elected in November 2018 when she defeated Burton in the general election. She previously served as Burleson school board president and Texas Wesleyan University board president.
“Serving as the District 10 Texas State senator has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Powell. “I thank you, the people of Tarrant County, for entrusting me with this sacred privilege. I look forward to what we can accomplish together during the remainder of my term, and to the next opportunities to serve my community beyond the Texas Senate.”
This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 8:12 AM.
