Texas State Representative Jolanda Jones stirred controversy during an interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon by comparing the state’s redistricting fight to the Holocaust. The remarks, made on a Tuesday in August 2025, have drawn significant backlash from critics who feel the comparison trivializes the historical atrocity.
Jones, who is among several Texas lawmakers who have left the state for Illinois to protest what they describe as gerrymandering, expressed her concerns about the proposed Republican-led redistricting map. She argued that the map reflects a refusal to accept Black people and that silence in the face of such actions could lead to severe consequences. “Integration happened and everybody thought they accept us. They don’t accept us,” she stated, urging people to recognize the potential dangers of complacency.
In her comments, Jones drew a parallel to the Holocaust, suggesting that just as good people remained silent during that period, people today risk losing their rights if they do not speak out against perceived injustices. “Good people remained silent,” she said, emphasizing the importance of standing up for those who are marginalized.
Lemon, who was hosting the segment, appeared to agree with her points, nodding in response to her statements. This approval further fueled the outrage from various commentators and social media users who found the comparison inappropriate.
Critics quickly took to social media to express their disapproval. Some pointed out the absurdity of equating redistricting—a political process—with the systematic genocide of millions. One user sarcastically remarked, “The holocaust wasn’t THAT bad y’all. The Nazis basically just redistricted the Jews,” while another quipped, “We now know that Rock Bottom has a basement,” highlighting the perceived extremity of Jones’s remarks.
As the debate continues, Jones stands firm in her belief that the fight against gerrymandering is crucial for the rights of all citizens. However, the backlash serves as a reminder of the sensitivity surrounding discussions of historical events like the Holocaust and the importance of careful language in political discourse.