Greg Casar

His announcement comes after fellow Democrat Lloyd Doggett said he would not run for reelection if the redrawn map is upheld, avoiding a showdown over the new District 37 seat.

Changes to San Antonio-area districts go after Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar in CD 28 and Democratic Rep. Greg Casar in CD 35.

Gov. Greg Abbott has added congressional redistricting to the state legislature's upcoming special session at President Donald Trump's request to create new Republican seats. One expert said it's an unusual and risky move.

Casar, who represents Austin and San Antonio in the 35th Congressional District, spoke about how recent immigration orders impact San Antonio.

The Democrat is drafting legislation that would connect the Texas grid to the rest of the country, something state leaders have long refused to do.

The event brought together local labor, immigration, and abortion advocates as well as Casar, Democratic politician Wendy Davis, and former District 1 councilman Roberto Treviño.

The new congressman said he wants to look for ways to "do good work for the American people, regardless of party affiliation."