Texas Democrats Start Negotiating
Austin, Texas — The Democrat lawmakers who fled Texas to block a Republican-led redistricting plan are still holed up out of state, and now they’re making demands before they come back.
In a new statement Thursday, the Texas House Democratic Caucus said they’ll only return after two “critical” conditions are met:
- The Texas Legislature adjourns sine die on Friday.
- California introduces redistricting maps designed to cancel out GOP gains in Texas.
Democrats claim their return is necessary to build a “public legislative record” for an upcoming court battle, alleging the GOP map violates both the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. They vowed to come back “with a clear message” that the fight over so-called “voting rights” is just beginning.
Democrats Fled to Kill GOP Map — Abbott Says They’ll Pay the Price
Earlier this month, Democrats skipped town—some jetting off to Washington, D.C.—to break quorum and shut down Republican efforts to add up to five new GOP-friendly seats in Congress.
Governor Greg Abbott (R) isn’t backing down. He has promised that if a quorum isn’t restored by Friday, he will call another special session immediately.
“No reprieve for the derelict Democrats who fled the state,” Abbott declared Tuesday, making it clear the same agenda will be back on the table, with the potential for even more legislation added.
California Moves to Tip the Scales
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) is pushing forward with redistricting efforts that would favor Democrats in his state—moves designed to offset Republican victories in Texas. On Thursday, Newsom hosted an “Election Rigging Response Act” event to lock in his plan.
If successful, California’s changes could help neutralize the GOP’s Texas gains—a coordinated effort critics say shows exactly how far Democrats will go to cling to power.
Facing Fines, Arrest, and a Losing Battle
Texas Democrats risk hefty fines and even arrest warrants for abandoning their posts. But with Republicans holding strong majorities in both the House and Senate, the redistricting plan is expected to pass quickly once enough members return.
Conservatives say the Democrat walkout is proof the left will run from a fight when they know the voters aren’t on their side.
