Final answer:
The claim that in 1952, 66% of Texans were Democrats and only 6% were Republicans is false, given historical and recent political trends showing significant Republican presence and representation in Texas both at the state and federal levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement provided in the question, claiming that in 1952 66% of Texans were Democrats and only 6% were Republicans, appears to be false based on historical voting trends and current political alignments. In recent history, Texas has been known for having a significant Republican presence, both in state and federal representations. For instance, as of early February 2021, thirty states had Republican majorities in both state houses, and Texas has had a long-standing history of electing Republican officials, particularly highlighted by the fact that the Texas legislature, controlled by a Republican majority, redistricted the state in 2003. The claim also does not align with the mentioned trend that self-identified Democrats form 33% and self-identified Republicans form 29% of the population, with the number of independents growing over time.
It is also important to acknowledge the impact of diverse communities on Texas politics. For example, the increase in Hispanic voter registration from 8% in 1986 to 20% by 2011 likely had significant political implications, as Hispanics traditionally lean towards the Democratic Party. Additionally, despite Texas having a varied population in its 36 congressional districts, the state is represented by two Republican senators at the federal level, indicating a strong Republican influence.