Washington, Feb 14 (RHC)-- The Donald Trump administration’s nominee to head the 2020 census in the United States has withdrawn from consideration, after an outcry by civil rights groups and many Democrats. 

Thomas Brunell, a University of Texas at Dallas political science professor, is a staunch defender of Republican redistricting efforts, including congressional maps in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other states that federal courts have recently ruled unconstitutionally favor Republicans.  Brunell stepped down from consideration as critics say the Trump administration is hoping to use the 2020 census to lock in Republican majorities for a decade.