How Congressional Redistricting in Texas Hurts Letter Carriers
Texas holds a rich union history dating back to the 1880s, when cowboys and railroad workers struck against wage cuts. Labor flourished through the World Wars, but the post-WWII shift to a "right-to-work" state eroded union power. Today, only about 4.5% of the 15.8 million jobs in Texas are unionized.
The United States Postal Service remains one of the largest union employers in the state, serving over 10 million households. For years, the Texas State Association of Letter Carriers (TSALC) has built deep, working relationships with members of Congress in all 38 districts to protect our livelihoods. Historically, our strongest support came from urban, pro-labor strongholds.
However, the 2026 mid-decade redistricting maps have changed everything. Designed to break up traditional urban voting blocs, these maps split communities with shared interests and diluted our collective voice. This is no longer a hypothetical threat; it is our reality.
Look at Houston’s 9th Congressional District. For two decades, Congressman Al Green was a stalwart ally who co-sponsored every piece of legislation favorable to us, including the “USPS Anti-Privatization” Bill (HR70). Due to aggressive map redrawing that forced a brutal incumbent-vs-incumbent primary this past spring, Congressman Green lost his seat. We are effectively losing up to five seasoned allies who stood as a firewall against the privatization of the public postal service.
The intent was to flip seats and expand the Republican majority, but for letter carriers, the result is a direct threat to our job stability and pensions. With our political leverage fractured, we are facing a crisis of representation when we need it most.
We can no longer rely on "safe" districts to protect our future. We must actively elect candidates who will stand up for us, regardless of how the lines on the map change. The LCPF is our most powerful tool to achieve this.
It serves as our collective megaphone on Capitol Hill, allowing us to cut through the political noise and back candidates who have proven they will protect our jobs and safety. With veteran champions like Congressman Green leaving, we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
The lines on the map may have shifted, but our mission remains the same. Contributing to the LCPF is the most direct way to fight back. It ensures that no matter what the district lines look like, Texas letter carriers have a voice, a seat at the table, and the power to defend our future. It is time to step up and ensure that Texas letter carriers are never ignored. If you are interested in having a member of the TSALC Executive Council come to a branch meeting and do an LCPF sign up event please let us know!! We would love to help!!
VIce President Ryan Raeke