Lloyd Doggett

AUSTIN, Texas — Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who has served in Congress for 30 years, rather than campaign against fellow Democrat Greg Casar if the newly-drawn is upheld in court.

Doggett said, "I made that decision. I stick by it."

Doggett expressed his desire for unity, stating, "I wish him the best if that's the way it turns out but I think what we need is a united effort at a time our country is in great peril."

His decision was influenced by an , which urged him to pass the torch to a new generation. The op-ed, co-signed by former state Democratic figures like Wendy Davis, sparked a social media debate among Democrats.

"It was just indicative of the fact that we're going to have a slugfest here if we have two Democratic members of Congress running against one another," said Doggett.

Andy Hogue of the Travis County Republican Party commented on Doggett's potential retirement, saying, "He's moved along with the lines, and it's time for him to go. He's a career politician. Time to hang it up. Let somebody else do it."

Greg Casar, the current District 35 Congressman, has announced his intention to run in the newly re-drawn District 37. Doggett, who has always called Austin home, said he would not consider moving to another district to run, especially in Casar's new district.

"The idea that I would be the one that would leave Austin and run in a 57 percent Hispanic district is not one that's going to achieve what we want relative to Trump," he said.

Hogue says, "It's also an opportunity for Republicans to win the seat back too."

Hogue says with Casar vacating his District 35 seat to run in District 37, opens up a lane for Republicans.

"We already have two, maybe three candidates looking at it, actively campaigning, actively knocking doors, testifying at the legislature," said Hogue. "It's a very hot seat, and it's only going to get hotter when people realize what a national draw this race is going to be."

Doggett stated that if the maps are ruled gerrymandered and invalidated, he will seek re-election. "If I'm not successful with the court case, I still have a minimum of 16 months to represent this community," he said.

On X, Casar called Doggett an "Austin institution."

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee is supporting California as it advances its own redistricting plans to counter efforts in Texas.