H-Town Ready

Democrats didn’t start the mid-decade redistricting fight. We did, however, vigorously fight back. See the latest from Virginia from the Hill:

“Virginia House Democrats just took essential action to safeguard our democracy and push back against Republicans’ power grabs,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams in a statement.  

“We know Republicans continue to scheme ways to steal seats and elections, and the redistricting fight will be won or lost in state legislatures,” she added. “Our democracy can only be secured by Democrats winning more majorities, and the DLCC’s 2026 target map identifies the path to make gains and protect our democracy.” 

Virginia is likely one of Democrats’ last chances to add pickup opportunities to their congressional map before the midterms.  

Virginia Democrats first moved to redistrict in response to a broader redistricting battle that kicked off in Texas when national Republicans pressed Texas GOP members to redraw their maps. A handful of states, both red and blue, responded in kind with their own maps.  

Democratic leaders in Old Dominion are eying either a 10-1 or 9-2 map in a state where Democrats currently have a 6-5 edge in the congressional delegation. Leaders signaled on Wednesday they’re looking to have a map finalized by the end of January.  

Here is the entire Hill read: Virginia Democrats advance redistricting effort.

We should also thank Democrats in the Texas Legislature for heightening awareness of this MAGA power grab and taking the fight across America.

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I am sure Astros fans heard about this from the Chron:

A year after the Houston Astros traded him in advance of free agency, Kyle Tucker cashed in.

Tucker, the right fielder widely viewed as the top position player on this winter’s free agent market, agreed Thursday night to a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to multiple reports. ESPN first reported Tucker’s agreement with the Dodgers and Fansided first reported terms of the deal. ESPN reported it includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons. 

The $60 million average annual value of Tucker’s deal would be the second-largest in the sport’s history behind the 10-year, $700 million contract signed two offseasons ago by Shohei Ohtani — Tucker’s impending new teammate in Los Angeles. Ohtani’s deal contained significant deferrals that reduced its present-day value; it was not immediately clear if Tucker’s deal contains deferrals.

Good for King Tuck. I will say this. World Series champions #SpringerDinger, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Tucker all went and got more dough after leaving the Astros. Only #SpringerDinger has played in a World Series since leaving the Astros.

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This MLB season, NBC and Peacock will air Sunday night MLB games. The Astros are scheduled for three Sunday evening games.

August 9, 7 pm, at San Diego.

August 16, 6 pm, we host the Mariners.

August 30, 6 pm, at Citi Field, to play the Mets.

July 5 is “Star Spangled Sunday” with Peacock airing a full slate of games including the Astros hosting the Rays with a 2:30 pm start.

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A ton of folks in H-Town will be wearing gear like in the featured photo this Sunday. We will be H-Town ready. Stay safe this Texans Playoff Weekend. Go Texans!