Skip to main content

On the Records: Mapping GOP Gains

Texas is — at least geographically — more red after Tuesday's GOP wave.

by Matt Stiles

Lead image for this article
Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller

The geography of state politics changed Tuesday night, with Republicans taking control of 99 seats in the Texas House — the largest majority for either party since 1983. 

This takeover is striking when seen on a political map. Texas is — at least geographically — more red after Tuesday's GOP wave. 

First, the 2009 map, which reflects the Democrats' strength in urban areas, but also in swaths of East Texas and the Panhandle: 

2011 Texas House map

No more. The 2011 map shows a real divide, with Democrats losing everywhere except pockets of urban counties, far southeast Texas and the border: 

2011 Texas House map

Please let us know if you have feedback or ideas for future visualizations. Be sure to follow @TribData on Twitter for updates.

High-res PDFs: 2009 | 2011

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Quality journalism doesn't come free

Perhaps it goes without saying — but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Do you value our journalism? Show us with your support.

Yes, I'll donate today