Federal Judge Rules Pasadena Redistricting Map Discriminates Against Latinos

PASADENA, TX -- A federal judge ruled that the city of Pasadena deliberately diluted the voting power of Latinos with a redistricting plan enacted in 2013.

On Jan. 6, U.S. District Court Judge Lee H. Rosenthal issued a 113 -page ruling in the voting rights case filed against the city by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which she stated that the Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, but also purposefully intended to discriminate against Latino voters in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

“In short, Pasadena’s elections are racially polarized. The City’s 2013 racially polarized vote in favor of the 6–2 redistricting map and plan and the Council’s 2014 vote to approve the change were narrowly decided. The effect was to dilute Latino voting strength. That effect was foreseeable and foreseen,” Rosenthal wrote in her decision.

Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president and general counsel, applauded Rosenthal’s ruling, referring to the decision as well-reasoned, and one that sends a clear warning to jurisdictions against voting rights violations.

"The decision is also a repudiation of those, including congressional leaders, who facilely assert that intentional vote discrimination no longer occurs and that the protections of pre-clearance are no longer needed,” he said.

The lawsuit was filed by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund on behalf of of Latino voters who claimed Pasadena city leaders worked to dilute the growing Hispanic voter population, by changing from eight to six single-member districts and adding two at-large positions elected to city council.

During the seven day bench trial, 16 witnesses provided testimony in the case and 468 pieces of evidence were presented in the trial that concluded in December.

In her ruling, Rosenthal cited witness testimony noting that exclusionary practices were common attitudes exhibited toward Latinos in Texas and Pasadena in the past, and in some cases still endured today among Pasadena residents, even though Pasadena’s population of nearly 150,000 residents is primarily Latino.

The city is expected to appeal the decision to the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court.

Regardless, Rosenthal’s ruling could have an impact on the city council and mayoral elections that will be taking place in May.

All city council seats and the mayor's post are up for grabs, with Mayor Johnny Isbell prohibited from running for re-election due to term limits.

To read Judge Rosenthal's opinion, click here.

Image: Shutterstock