Texas will gain two new congressional seats in 2022

Texas’ population grew by nearly 4 million people over the last decade, more than any other state in the nation, and the state is on track to gain two seats in Congress as it expands its national influence. The state will also gain more seats in Congress than any other as seven states, including California and New York are set to lose seats.

It was the second decade in a row that Texas had led the nation in population growth, and the state’s rate of increase outpaced all other states but Utah and Idaho.

Texas had more than 29 million residents in 2020, according to new population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday, an increase of 3.9 million, the biggest in the nation. Texas was just 190,000 residents shy of gaining a third seat.

Monday’s newly released figures don’t specify demographics, but earlier estimates have shown communities of color and young people driving the current trend. The latest statistics will most likely draw further outside interest in the state’s elections, as Texas saw an unprecedented level of money coming in from other states in 2020.

The new population figures also reflect shifting politics in many states. Texas has seen many new residents that have moved in from other states, including California. The new numbers come as lawmakers in Texas prepare to redraw boundaries, including for the state’s congressional delegation.

The population figures are also used to dole out funding for federal programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Census Bureau officials said Monday they were confident in the results, noting the state’s actual population was within 1 percent of the estimates.