Texas Democratic Senator Carol Alvarado has announced her intention to filibuster a Republican-backed redistricting bill on Friday.
To brace for what could be a lengthy speech, Alvarado, 57, prepared by using a catheter and attaching a urine bag. According to various sources, this is a serious undertaking that could extend for hours.
Democrats from the Houston area reportedly purchased “Long Blue Flower Wands” to conceal their bags, as noted by the Washington Post.
In a humorous anecdote, Alvarado mentioned, “I bought a long blue flower dress to hide my bag and wore running shoes for special sessions.”
The Texas Senate Democrats shared a video showing Alvarado walking into the room as part of her efforts to delay the passage of the bill.
Alvarado expressed on social media, “It’s going to be a long night,” after informing Texas GOP leader Lt. Colonel Dan Patrick of her plans to initiate the filibuster. This would take place in House Building 4.
In preparation, the senators had a barbecue the night prior, received IV fluids, and even participated in a hot yoga session. Alvarado mentioned, “I’ve been preparing for a few days.”
She has experience in this area, having previously set a state record in 2021 for the longest filibuster at 15 hours and seven minutes, opposing an election reform bill that sought to eliminate drive-thru voting and curb access to voting drop boxes.
The Republican-led initiative to redraw Texas’s legislative map—strongly supported by former President Trump—was expected to pass through the state House earlier this week and eventually make its way through the GOP-controlled Senate.
This redistricting bill potentially adds five more congressional seats for Republicans, which has sparked significant opposition from Democrats.
In a bold move, over 50 Texas House Democrats temporarily left the state capital for two weeks in an effort to stall the vote on the legislation.
