(Community Matters) Over the telephone, Joaquin told me about the call from Charlie Gonzalez, his decision to retire, and Joaquin’s decision to switch his race to the 20th congressional district. The Castros and the Gonzalez’ go back decades. Joaquin grew up in the 20th (which a Gonzalez has held since before Joaquin & Julian were born). The 20th district is the crown jewel of the San Antonio delegation. San Antonio Express News story
This leaves CD-35 up for grabs. Reports of various SAT Dems considering. Of course, Tx Attorney General Abbott expected to appeal court drawn redistricting maps to US Supreme Court this week – appeal not expected to succeed. The court maps were drawn by 3 federal judges – 2 Republican and 1 Democrat; 2 Hispanic. We’re talking violations of the Voting Rights Act. Texas chose which path to take by appealing directly to the DC judicial panel which instructed these judges to draw new maps. Interesting chatter about potential CD-25 competition.
Community Matters 
AG Abbott seems to be taking this path to serve as a grandstand for states rights and challenge some components of the VRA. It’s the perfect way to kick off his campaign for governor, unfortunately at the expense of the Texas voters. Dissenting Judge Smith’s points are almost textbook from the Republican playbook on this matter. The fact that Abbott is using them as his argument further demonstrates how contentious this is going to get.
BTW, the 35th is getting interesting also with former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez entering and possibly facing Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector Sylvia Romo, a former representative in the Texas House. There’s also some rumor (not sure how solid) that State Rep. Jose Menendez might challenge Castro but I haven’t seen much more on that. I think the majority of the Bexar County Democrats are supporting Castro for this race.