Texas will gain two more seats in Congress based on the 2020 U.S. Census results. This will increase bring the state’s number of representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives from 36 to 38 of the 435 seats. 

Redrawing the Lines

Every 10 years, the Texas Legislature redraws lines for state legislative districts and U.S. congressional districts, based on the census results. The Census Bureau expects to deliver the necessary population data to state legislatures by August 16, 2021. Since the regular session of the 87th Texas Legislature ends May 31, the late delivery of the census data increases the likelihood that the governor will call legislators back for a special session to address redistricting.

By the Numbers

A few highlights from the 2020 census data:

  • Six states gained more seats in Congress (Texas, Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, and Oregon).
  • Texas was the only state to gain more than one seat—the other five gained one seat.
  • Texas population in 2020 was 29,145,505 (up from 25 million in 2010).
  • Texas gained more residents than any state in the last decade and is second-most populous state behind California.
  • Each congressional member will represent about 761,169 residents, an increase of more than 50,402 since 2010.

Watch the announcement on the U.S. Census Bureau’s YouTube channel.