The 1996 Texas House of Representatives elections took place as part of the biennial United States elections. Texas voters elected state representatives in all 150 State House of Representatives districts. The winners of this election served in the 75th Texas Legislature. State representatives serve for two-year terms. Republicans gained five seats from the Democrats, reducing the Democratic majority to 82 out of 150 seats.
Background
Democrats had held control of the Texas House of Representatives since Reconstruction. After the 1994 elections, RepublicangovernorGeorge W. Bush appointed Democratic Representative Elton Bomer of the 11th district as the state insurance commissioner.[1] In the ensuing special election, Republican Todd Staples narrowly avoided a runoff, defeating two Democrats to flip the seat.[2] Later in 1995, Representative Warren Chisum of the 88th district switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party.[3]
Redistricting
Democrats had fully controlled the redistricting process in 1991, and Republicans sued over the Texas House's map. The courts partially overhauled the map as a result of these lawsuits.[4] Democrats codified the court's map into law in a January 1992 special session.[5] The 1995 lawsuit Thomas v. Bush further altered the maps, as the courts reached a settlement with the legislature to alter the several districts in Harris, Dallas, and Bexar Counties for the 1996 elections.[4][6][7]
Results
Despite having hopes of winning control of the chamber from the Democrats due to Texas's increasing Republican lean, Republicans only flipped five seats.[8][9]
Statewide
Summary of the November 5, 1996 Texas House of Representatives election results
