An Afghanistan War veteran, Black conservative, and Republican leader sparked backlash at a heated Texas redistricting hearing, defending the GOP-led effort to redraw the state’s political map and denouncing claims of systemic racism.

The Texas House Redistricting Committee held a public hearing at the University of Texas at Arlington on July 28, where the overwhelming majority of speakers opposed the proposed maps. Roughly 500 people signed up to testify. U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth) was also in attendance, according to the Fort Worth Report.

One speaker, however, set off a wave of outrage. Rich Stoglin, president of the Frederick Douglass Republicans of Tarrant County, delivered a passionate defense of the Republican proposal that drew angry reactions from the largely Democrat-leaning crowd.

“As a Black American, an Afghanistan veteran, and a retired department head of the U.S. Department of Justice, I strongly support the Republican redistricting,” Stoglin said, drawing jeers and heckles from the audience.

The tension grew so intense that Committee Chair Cody Vasut called the room to order, reminding attendees that all voices must be heard.

“The gentleman will be afforded the same respect that everyone testifying receives,” Vasut told the crowd. “We will come to order. Everyone, regardless of your belief, political persuasion, age, or whoever you are, you are an American, and you are entitled to be heard, and you will be heard in this committee.”

Unfazed, Stoglin continued his testimony. “Screaming systemic racism for anything that does not fit the narrative — these acts of evil need to stop. We need Republican leadership for such a time as this. Republicans have a larger story.”

He reminded the audience that the Texas Republican Party was originally founded with a majority of Black members.

Stoglin told The Dallas Express that under Republican leadership, Texas has become one of the largest economies in the world.

“This state prospers and continues to grow because of Republican policies,” he said. “The Republican Party has provided great leadership. Honesty, hard work, family, and faith — when you put that together, that is what I meant.”

Stoglin also criticized progressive social policies, including what he described as Democrats’ obsession with adding men to women’s sports and promoting “transgender” procedures.

He urged young Black and Hispanic conservatives to get involved, highlighting the mentorship and scholarship opportunities provided by the Frederick Douglass Republicans of Tarrant County.

“Several of our young people have received scholarships,” Stoglin said, emphasizing the importance of the next generation stepping up to lead.

Leaders responded to Stoglin’s passionate speech.

“This is Chaplain Rich Stoglin, President of the Frederick Douglass Republicans of Tarrant County, testifying before [the] Redistricting Committee of the Texas House of Representatives in Arlington, TX. Note the disrespectful hissing & booing during his testimony,” State Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) wrote on X.