Political Science

There are nine major regions in Texas. These are the Texas Panhandle, West Texas, North Texas, East Texas, Central Texas, Gulf Coast, South Texas, Southwest Texas, and German Hill Country. However, South Texas and South West Texas are part of the Rio Grande region, and German Hill Country a part of Central Texas (Texas Demographics). In the West and Rio Grande regions, the Hispanic population is highest at 60.5 percent and 87.5 percent respectively. In the Panhandle, North Texas, Central Texas, East Texas, and the Gulf Coast, the white population dominates in size from 50 percent in the Gulf region, to 74 percent in East Texas region. African Americans form the third largest group in North Texas, Central Texas, and the Gulf Coast regions.

However, in East Texas, African Americans are the second largest population (Texas Demographics). Income levels are lowest in regions with the highest numbers of Hispanics, to the highest in urbanized areas dominated by whites, for instance, Houston, Dallas-Fortworth, and Austin (Wealth, Regionalism, and Political Culture).

Regional variety is a distinct feature of Texas, and is characterized by differences in wealth, and economic activity. In the legislature, the regions are represented equally thirty one districts in the state senate, and one hundred and fifty in the House of Representatives. Thus, distinct geographical interests are the basis of representation (Wealth, Regionalism, and Political Culture). However, in the State Legislature, the numbers of African Americans and Hispanics is low compared to their numbers. They occupied 8.8 and 20.4 percent of all seats in 2001-2002 (Demographics and Inclusion). In Texas politics, voting patterns are highest among the Texan white population.